CAMPAIGNERS against the prospect of a large-scale shopping complex in an historic quarter of York today received a boost from experts hailing the economic prospects of "unique" cities.

Opponents of the failed Coppergate II project claim this suggests the tide may be turning against major shopping centres - leaving "special" cities like York to thrive without one.

In the article, published in the magazine Regeneration And Renewal, retail experts say giant malls have hit small traders in big cities, and flagship stores may not spell successful regeneration.

Those views fly in the face of a recent council recommendation that York needs a prestigious store of about 100,000 sq ft in size to bolster trade.

But Neil McInroy, director of the Centre For Local Economic Strategies, warned that Britain faced becoming "homogenised... with little cultural diversity" if smaller shops were sidelined.

He said: "A symbol of the successful regeneration of a city does not necessarily mean a large Marks & Spencer or John Lewis. Each city should find its own niche."

The article comes as work continues on a masterplan for Coppergate and Piccadilly.

Protestors fear a large shopping centre in the historic Clifford's Tower area could still be on the agenda - despite the failure of £60 million Coppergate II after a lengthy, costly public inquiry.

Stuart Wilson, spokesman for the Castle Area Campaign Group, said the report should serve as a warning.

"We just hope York council will ditch its blinkered mind-set with regard to shopping and cherish what is unique and successful about York.

"People come to York for tourism and quirky types of shops - different reasons than they go to Wakefield, Bradford or Leeds.

"A big shopping mall is neither wanted nor needed on the site of York Castle."

He said small-scale development near Coppergate, not using Clifford's Tower as a centrepiece, would be more appropriate. Imaginative designs could be invited from international architects.

Adam Sinclair, chairman of York Chamber of Trade, said the article vindicated the group's long-established stance on the debate.

Council leader Steve Galloway questioned the relevance of the article and said York was unique and complex.

He said campaigners would get their say against the background of "informed, professional comment".

Early results of a retail study are due soon, reporting on whether York needs a major "magnet" store in the Coppergate/Piccadilly area, which the council leader said would be premature to rule out at this stage.

He said: "A lot of retailers do believe that having another major store in the city centre would increase the number of shoppers."

Updated: 10:50 Monday, July 05, 2004