PRIMARK has confirmed a lease agreement with Monks Cross Shopping Centre as part of a "two store strategy" for York.

After more than a year of speculation the budget clothing retailer has announced it will be opening a store on the retail park.

Primark is set to move into the former Marks & Spencer unit, which was vacated when the chain moved to a new store on the neighbouring Vangarde shopping centre earlier this year.

A Primark spokesperson said: "We are pleased to have exchanged lease agreements with Monks Cross Shopping as part of our two store strategy for York.

"Primark is looking forward to working with Monks Cross to realise the ambition of bringing a new and much-requested retailer to the shopping park."

Although Primark is yet to officially confirm details of its second store, the Press reported earlier this week that a planning application had been submitted to City of York Council for signage alterations at Coppergate Shopping Centre.

The application featured an artist's impression of the former Marks & Spencer unit at the city centre site, with the Primark banner across the front of the store.

It came a week after 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”.

While Primark won't comment any further on the deal, Monks Cross has said it is too early to say how many jobs are being created, or when the new store is likely to open.

Eric Hall, TDH Estates, agent for Monks Cross Shopping, said: "Monks Cross Shopping has continued negotiations with Primark over the last 12 months and are now in a position to move ahead with the next stage of the process.

"The exchange of this agreement is a pivotal milestone for the shopping park as we move closer to bringing a retailer to Monks Cross that many of our customers have been asking for, for a long time."