HUNDREDS of people visited the two-day public exhibition showcasing plans for a new community stadium and Marks & Spencer store on the edge of York.

Oakgate (Monks Cross) Ltd revealed their proposals as it prepares to submit a full planning application for the development on the Vangarde site at Monks Cross.

It would include a 120,000sq ft M&S store and another retail unit, as well as a 6,000-seater home for York City FC and York City Knights where the rugby league club’s current Huntington Stadium ground stands. Community facilities such as a new Explore library, restaurants and open public space would also be included, with City of York Athletics Club moving to the Sports Village at the University of York.

The overall development would create about 750 jobs, with about 200 of those coming from the M&S store, and hundreds of construction roles. However, fears have been raised that the scheme would harm city centre businesses and create traffic issues.

“We’ve been delighted with the response from the local community,” said Oakgate Group’s managing director Richard France after the exhibition ended on Saturday at the Hilton Hotel in Tower Street.

“Hundreds of people have come along to view the plans and the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. Fans of both sports clubs and the wider community have said they are pleased to see plans for the stadium moving forward.

“We look forward to going through the feedback we have received in more detail and working on the formal planning application, which we hope to submit in the next few weeks.”