A WAITROSE supermarket is to open in York, bringing 180 jobs and a massive economic boost to the city. The chain yesterday announced plans for a multi-million pound conversion of the former MFI building in Foss Islands Road.

Work will start on the site in early summer and the new store will open its doors in the autumn.

It is a further boost for York after the news that Nestlé is creating 73 jobs at a new customer service centre for its Nespresso business in York, and TK Maxx is to open in Coney Street.

In recent weeks, the city has seen the loss of 350 jobs with the collapse of Jarvis and a further 100 put at risk with the announcement that printers Sessions of York has gone into administration.

Waitrose, the food arm of the John Lewis Partnership, has reached agreement with the site’s owners, AXA Retail Estate, who secured planning permission from City of York Council in January to convert the vacant building into a 22,000sq ft food store. Nigel Keen, director of development for Waitrose, said: “We have always been overwhelmed by the number of letters we receive asking us to open in York – a desire we have shared for a long time.”

All employees will become partners in the John Lewis Partnership, entitling them to a say in how the business is run, shopping and leisure discounts and a share in profits in an annual bonus.

The nearest Waitrose store to York is nearly 20 miles away in Harrogate.

Coun Steve Galloway, City of York Council’s executive member for city strategy, said: “The store will offer a new quality choice for York consumers and will help to consolidate the success of the Foss Islands area which is already proving to be a popular shopping destination from all parts of the city.

Waitrose will launch a Community Matters Initiative in York, which will ensure £1,000 is donated each month to local charities and projects.

Bill Woolley, director of city strategy at City of York Council, said the authority looked forward to supporting Waitrose with its initiative.

Susie Cawood, head of the York and North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce, said: “It sends out a strong message that major quality retailers such as Waitrose wants to invest in the city and reinforces all that we keep saying about York and North Yorkshire being such a fantastic place to do business.”

open in York – a desire we have shared for a long time.”

All employees will become partners in the John Lewis Partnership, entitling them to a say in how the business is run, shopping and leisure discounts and a share in profits on an annual bonus.

The nearest Waitrose store to York is about 20 miles away in Harrogate.

Coun Steve Galloway, City of York Council’s executive member for city strategy, said: “The store will offer a new quality choice for York consumers and will help to consolidate the success of the Foss Islands area, which is proving to be a popular shopping destination from all parts of the city”.

Waitrose will launch a Community Matters Initiative in York, which will ensure £1,000 is donated each month to local charities and projects.

Bill Woolley, director of city strategy at City of York Council, said the authority looked forward to supporting Waitrose with its latest initiative.

Susie Cawood, head of the York and North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce, said: “It sends out a strong message that major quality retailers such as Waitrose wants to invest in the city and reinforces all that we keep saying about York and North Yorkshire being such a fantastic place to do business.”