Following the announcement, Wakefield Council said it had been in discussions with The Ridings’ owner about the “longer-term future of this critical part of the city centre”.

The date of the relocation has not been confirmed.

A company statement said: “The fresh market-style food store would be one of the most modern stores in the UK, in M&S’ signature renewal format, with fresh produce from M&S’ select farm partners – more than 1,000 of which are based in Yorkshire – and dedicated in-store bakery, flower and wine shops.”

Nikki McKidd, stores director at M&S, added: “It’s fantastic to have such a strong pipeline of new sites across Yorkshire, allowing us to offer even more M&S trusted value, quality, innovation and magic.

“As we reshape for growth, our focus is delivering the best possible shopping experience for customers at every single store we have and showcasing the very best of M&S.

“At Wakefield, we have an exciting opportunity to create a new era for M&S in the city from a fantastic location.”

Jack Hemingway, the council’s cabinet member for regeneration and economic growth, said: “We’re pleased that Wakefield continues to be part of M&S’ future plans.

“This is investment from one of the UK’s best-known brands, showing private sector confidence in our district.

“The new store will be a great addition to City Fields, with more announcements like this to come later this year.”

Coun Hemingway added: “There is no doubt that the move will have an impact on The Ridings, where M&S is one of the three remaining national retailers.

“Over recent months we’ve been working very closely with The Ridings owner as we look at the future of the city centre.

“Mr Iqbal has given The Ridings a different lease of life in the last few years, which we have very much welcomed.

“But we’re both keen to consider the role The Ridings, alongside the rest of the city centre, can play in Wakefield’s longer-term future.

“We all want a city with a sustainable future where existing and new retail will thrive, attracting more people, investment and jobs.

“We will take the bold decisions needed to deliver this.”

Last month, Coun Hemingway said a “major high street retailer” would soon be announcing plans to open a store at City Fields, a commercial development being built to serve a new suburb to the east of the city.

Residents in the area have been calling for new shops, a medical centre and leisure facilities to support thousands of homes.

They were given assurances more than five years ago that a centre would be built to serve thousands of homes.

Planning permission was granted in February 2020 for the development of a 110,000 sq ft site off Neil Fox Way.

In April 2022, De Veer Estates announced that work had begun to transform the land but little progress on construction of the new business premises was made.

Work now looks set to resume after planners gave the go-ahead for a “mixed-use district centre” last September.

The new application, submitted by Cityfields (Wakefield) Limited, sought a minor amendment to the original plans.

The planning permission still allows the site to be used for retail premises, food outlets, medical services, nursery facilities, offices, a pub, restaurant and a drive-thru coffee unit.

A document submitted by Cityfields said the district centre was “the missing piece of the jigsaw” for the development.

For more information and the source, visit: M&S to leave Ridings store and open new food hall on edge of Wakefield city centre