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An aerial view of Foss Islands Retail Park, in York

A MASSIVE new Homebase is now up-and-running at the £40 million Foss Islands Retail Park in York.

It marks the completion of the inner ring road project to create one of the largest retail parks in the north.

The DIY and garden store has at last moved out of premises next to Sainsbury's, at Foss Bank, and into the brand new 35,000 sq ft store, generating 60 jobs - 25 more than worked at its old building, which it had occupied for 20 years.

The new Homebase includes a 9,500 sq ft gardening centre and more than 40,000 DIY, home enhancement and gardening products. It also has a mezzanine floor selling kitchenware and furniture.

It is anchoring the 157,000 sq ft retail development on the 14.48 acre site which is opposite a new Morrisons supermarket, which opened last October.

Developer Keyland Gregory - the joint venture between Leeds-based Gregory Group and Keyland Developments - reports that national restaurant chain Frankie & Benny's has agreed also to occupy space alongside Homebase. It is likely to bring up to 40 new jobs.

This will be the second Frankie & Benny's in the city. There is already a restaurant in Clifton Gate, which a spokeswoman for the chain said would continue trading.

As reported in The Press earlier this month, the chain plans to set up another restaurant in Bawtry Road, Selby - one of 20 new outlets it opens each year, Its arrival in York means the park is half-let with four units ranging in size from 7,500 sq ft to 15,000 sq ft still available alongside Morrisons and Homebase, Keyland Gregory negotiators are talking to two other possible tenants, but it is understood no timescale is being put on filling all the units because "we recognise that it is a tough market," said a spokeswoman for the joint venture. But ultimately the project will have created about 200 jobs.

Richard Tovey, of the Gregory Group, said: "It is fantastic to see a development which we have been involved in for over ten years come to fruition.

"We have worked hard top provide the right type of accommodation and location to facilitate national retailers needs and are confident that both shoppers and retailers will reap the benefits that Foss Islands has to offer."

As part of the scheme, a new link road was completed between James Street and Heworth Green to alleviate pressure on York's inner ring road, along with construction of a new £8 million eco depot for York City Council to replace the former depot on the Foss Islands site.

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11:59am Wednesday 26th March 2008

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