The City of York is to undergo a major commercial development, involving a community stadium and a new shopping centre, on the outskirts of the city. But could this proposal have any hidden negative implications for other parts of the city?
The development in Monks Cross, would see a 6000 seated stadium, which would host York City Knights and York City FC. The retail commercial property in York hopes to attract well known brands to the shopping centre, including Marks & Spencer and John Lewis.
The developers, Oakgate Ltd, believe the development of the commercial properties could bring a whopping £50 million a year through tourism to the local economy.
Speaking of the tourism opportunities, John Yeomans, Visit York Chairman, expressed: “Visit York strongly welcomes the opportunity, through this investment, to extend York’s reputation as an outstanding retail shopping destination, and there is no doubt attracting such a big name as John Lewis to York will have a positive impact on the city’s retail offer.”
“The level of investment involved – between £80 million and £90 million – forms a very positive endorsement of York’s strength as a business location. The opportunities for major employment growth and the chance to develop the community stadium, which in its own right offers potential as a performance, events and conference venue, are very exciting prospects.” Mr Yeomans added.
However many out-of-town rivals have opposed the plans, fearing that the new developments could potentially destroy their trade. Also the developments could have negative impacts on the city’s town centre, which already has a Marks & Spencer commercial property.
So, is it really in York’s best interest to develop a new shopping complex if it could lead to some retail commercial properties in the city centre suffering and even having to close? Or will the competition in the city give consumers a more diverse shopping experience?
The decision is not up to us, so we will have to watch this space and see what the council decides upon.
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