A SHOPPING centre has revealed plans for a major makeover to its site - including the arrival of several new stores.

A redevelopment programme by Monks Cross Shopping Park in York will see a series of improvements to the site over the course of 2019.

Plans include transforming the walkway by updating the existing canopy, creating a new recreational space and improving the children’s play area.

Several new tenants are already set to arrive at the site. Superdrug will be opening a new 5,000 sq ft store at the end of the month, bringing many jobs to the area in time for Christmas.

Mothercare has also announced that it will be taking over part of the site that used to be occupied by British Home Stores. The site is being subdivided to create multiple units, with Mothercare confirming it will be opening in January 2019.

Monks Cross centre manager Katherine Sharp said: “We are very excited to be entering this new phase at Monks Cross.

“The renovation has been a closely guarded secret but the trust felt that investment was needed to strengthen the site’s offering.

“Greater focus has been placed on food and beverage operators, as the refurbished site will have an additional six pod units for small restaurants as well as places to put on Christmas events this year.

“The first raft of improvements to the site will be between six months to a year, running in tandem with the new football stadium.

“We hope to have the renovation complete by the end of 2019.”

Councillor Chris Cullwick, of Huntington and New Earswick, said: “I am delighted to hear about the plans for improvements at Monks Cross and the arrival of new tenants for units that have been empty for a while.

“With the development of the Community Stadium and leisure facilities alongside at Vangarde this area has a great deal to offer not only to local residents but also as a destination serving the city and region."

Cllr Ian Gillies, leader of City York Council, said: “It is great to hear that during York Business Week one of the city’s long standing retail outlets is strengthening their offer with several new tenants arriving in the near future.”

Cllr Keith Aspden, member for economic and community engagement for the local plan, said: “This is encouraging news and a testament to York’s strong retail offer. We will continue to do what we can as a council to ensure that the retail sector in the area continues to grow and develop with the changing landscape.”