YORK'S £90 million Vangarde Shopping Park has been shortlisted for a national award six months after opening.

The retail centre, at Monks Cross, which features York's first John Lewis store and the city's largest Marks & Spencer, is in the running to win the New Centre award at the British Council of Shopping Centres (BCSC) Gold Awards in December.

The Shopping Park was part of a three year project by the Oakgate Group, which started with the construction of the Monks Cross Park and Ride in 2004

Oakgate Group managing director Richard France said: "It`s great that Vangarde Shopping Park has been shortlisted, it is a testament to the design and construction team.

"The Shopping Park has been exceptionally popular since its opening in April, attracting many shoppers.

"York is now competing with other strong, major retail destinations such as Leeds and to receive this national recognition is a feather in the City`s cap."

Vangarde Shopping Park will now be visited by the BCSC awards jury.

The park's manager Deb O’Donnell said: "Vangarde is adding significantly to the retail sector of York and this shortlisting is fantastic recognition of the hard work put into constructing and running the Shopping Park."