A CITY centre shopping facility has created almost 100 jobs after taking on new retailers and increasing parking facilities in recent months.

The Gates shopping centre, in Durham City, said that it had rented six units in only nine months, as well as doubling its car parking spaces to 475 in the first half of the year.

The most significant of the openings in recent months is the Wilkinson homes and gardens superstore which opened in the mall’s flagship former Waitrose unit just before Easter.

Other launches at the centre include the opening of a branch of Stephanie’s Florists last week, and the launch of the Alan Clarke Photography studio last month.

The centre also welcomed Central Thai restaurant last October, following the return of Priceless Shoes.

A Bonappefeet foot spa will open at the centre, in Framwellgate Bridge, within days.

In all, the new units at the centre have created almost 100 jobs.

Centre manager Inge Johnson said: “Our new businesses represent a diverse mix of retailers, restaurant, salon and studio, emphasising the variety of our retail offering.

“The near doubling of our car parking provision in recent months, plus the varied retail offering we have here now, is marking us out as a major destination for Durham city shoppers.”

The Gates has also increased the number of special mall events over the past year, including a series of vintage homes and fashion fairs and art shows.

“These special events bring new customers who may not be familiar with our varied offering,” added Miss Johnson.