MORE than a year of speculation as to whether or not Primark is coming to York has come to an end as a planning application gives the strongest indication yet of the retailer's arrival.

The Press revealed last year the budget clothing company had been eyeing up a move to the former Marks & Spencer site in the Coppergate Centre, which was vacated earlier this year.

Last week the centre's new management team revealed a deal was in the final stages with an “exciting, renowned high street retailer” marking a “coup for the city”.

The identity of the new occupant has now been revealed thanks to artist's impressions submitted as part of a planning application for new signage at the site.

The plans, under consideration by City of York Council, depict the red brick building with the unmistakable Primark banner across the front of the store.

While Primark states it "does not comment on speculation or plans regarding new store openings", Cllr James Alexander, leader of City of York Council, would not confirm the name of the new occupant either.

He said: "Progress on the new store is welcoming news and is another example of growing confidence in York's economy.

"The council's economic growth and increasing jobs priorities are beginning to pay off. Should planning permission be granted by the planning committee, our focus will be on ensuring that the jobs created go to people in York."

As well as taking the city centre site, which has been empty since Marks & Spencer moved to the new £90 million Vangarde development in April, Primark is also expected to be opening a store at Monks Cross after councillors approved plans to extend one of the units, also vacated by Marks & Spencer in favour of Vangarde.