Monks Cross developers: 'Room for two' York projects

A company behind the proposed expansion of a shopping centre in York has said there is enough room to have two developments in the city.

Oakgate, which is behind the Monks Cross development, said York must provide a balanced shopping experience for visitors.

LaSalle said it would pull out of its £200m city centre Castle Piccadilly scheme if the expansion went ahead.

Planners are due to consider the Monks Cross scheme in March.

Managing director for Oakgate Richard France said: "There is room for both schemes.

"York is currently a very strong centre and there has been a number of independent reports proving it is a very strong centre."

The Castle Piccadilly scheme would deliver a 400,000 sq ft (37,161 sq m) shopping centre adjacent to the Coppergate Centre and the Castle Museum.

'Detrimental effect'

The Monks Cross development, which is about two miles from the edge of the city, would offer a 6,000-seat community stadium and retail units including a 100,000 sq ft (9,290 sq m) John Lewis store, providing about 1,000 full-time jobs.

LaSalle has now lodged a formal planning objection, claiming the Monks Cross scheme is "contrary" to current planning policies.

Mr France added: "Our figures forecast an initial impact of 7% on the town centre which won't be for any length of time.

"It has got to provide for all the people of York and its visitors a balanced shopping experience and we've got that in a fantastic city centre.

"We can't put a John Lewis or large Marks & Spencer store in town - there isn't the place for it to go."

LaSalle previously said: "If permitted, the proposals would harm the existing shops in the city centre and would have such a detrimental effect on future investment that the comprehensive redevelopment of Castle Piccadilly would not happen."