A MYSTERY retailer could bring between 40 and 50 full and part time jobs to Clifton Moor on the outskirts of York.

Lawyers are thrashing out details of a new 25,000 sq ft store to be built on open land next door to the Ikon and Diva nightclub by Sheffield-based landowner Henry Boot Development.

With car parking space the store will take up all of the two acre site and could be up and trading before Christmas.

Henry Boot Developments, which has been responsible for developing much of Clifton Moor retail park, was given outline planning consent in 2000 for a "non food" outlet, but now a detailed planning application has been prepared for submission

If all goes well, the huge building will be built especially for the well known retail chain whose identity is for now regarded as "too commercially sensitive" to reveal.

Rupert Thornton, of commercial estate agents Hill Woolhouse of Leeds, which is representing Henry Boot, said: "Until this retailer has exchanged contracts they won't want the competition to know that they are doing a deal, but they are a big name."

There may be clues in the planning consent granted to Henry Boot for a "non-food retail unit" which means that it will not sell food or fashion items as part of City of York planning policy to safeguard the vitality of shops in the city centre.

But it will be allowed to sell "bulky goods", which could suggest the sale of DIY stock, electrical appliances or household items like furniture and carpets.

But there is one certainty that dispels local rumours - that the space was being set aside for York's first Ikea store. "Definitely not," said Mr Thornton, "As large as this site is, it is too small for an Ikea."

Henry Boot has developed 70 acres - most of the Clifton Moor retail park - over the past 20 years, starting with the Warner Cinema, then developing phase two east of Tesco and most of the retail offerings on the other side of B&Q, including Toys R Us. It also owns the Ikon and Diva buildings on which there is a 25 year lease.

Ken Gledhill, managing director of Henry Booth said: "Once we have planning clearance the new development will take just five months to build so theoretically it could be trading before Christmas.

"It is exciting, but it is also a little bit sad because five years ago we wanted to develop 14 acres alongside this land by taking it out of green belt but failed in our bid."

Updated: 10:32 Thursday, March 31, 2005