CLOTHING giant Primark could bring 170 jobs to York if new city-centre plans are approved on Thursday.

The Press revealed last month that the company is looking to take over the Piccadilly building which will be vacated when Marks & Spencer moves out and opens its new store at a £90 million shopping complex at Monks Cross.

Although Primark has not officially confirmed its interest in the site, which is part of the Coppergate Shopping Centre, the firm was named in planning application documents submitted to City of York Council for a new top floor and the extension of other floors at the building.

Centros, the development manager for the centre’s owners LaSalle UK Ventures Fund, said the work is necessary if a new occupier is to move in.

The plans will be debated by a council planning committee tomorrow and officials have recommended approval. Centros has said no formal agreement for the Piccadilly site is yet in place, but talks are being held with a “major retailer” not already in York.

In a planning report, the council’s development management officer Jonathan Kenyon said an extra 980sqm of space was needed for a new firm to move into Piccadilly.

He said: “The proposals bring significant benefit as the scheme will enhance the retail offer available in the city-centre, enabling a retail premises of around 5,250sqm which would create around 170 jobs.”

Mr Kenyon said the scheme tied in with national planning policy which encourages “competitive” city-centres and also the council’s own draft Local Plan, which wanted to draw new retail developments and investment into the heart of York.

The authority’s approval for the Monks Cross scheme, which includes John Lewis and Next stores as well as M&S, last year led to city-centre businesses claiming they would be forced to close or move because of lost trade.

The council’s design and conservation officers have said the changes to the Piccadilly building would not affect nearby landmarks such as Clifford’s Tower and the Merchant Adventurers’ Hall.