WORK has begun on new restaurants and kiosks at a £90 million shopping complex in York.

Steel frames for the main development at the Vangarde Retail Park at Monks Cross, which will include John Lewis, Marks & Spencer and Next stores and is set to open next Easter, have been put in place by Caddick Construction, and the centre will also include Costa Coffee and Frankie & Benny’s outlets.

Developers The Oakgate Group, part-owned by Caddick Group, said more new occupiers will be announced in the coming weeks, with its managing director Richard France saying: “It’s great to see the retail park taking shape and we have already completed some exciting deals.

“We have received a great deal of interest in the site and are in the final stages of completing a number of other lettings.”

Caddick Construction’s project manager Neil Lindley said: “We are delighted with the progress being made, the development is on schedule and, by the end of October, the retail units will be taking shape and fit-outs of the individual stores will begin.

“The team has been working extremely hard and, as well as the main site, landscaping and roadworks surrounding the retail park are also taking shape.”

The development will create 1,000 new jobs and provide £13.75 million towards a neighbouring community stadium for York City FC and York City Knights.