Debenhams in at Shrewsbury's £150m New Riverside

Debenhams will be the flagship store in Shrewsbury's £150 million New Riverside shopping complex, it has been revealed.

A pre-let agreement has been signed for the department store to take on a 95,000 sq ft site in the new centre. It will be joined by 50 other stores in the showpiece shopping complex, which will create a total of 700 jobs.

Bosses at Debenhams are tight-lipped about the total amount of jobs available at its new store.

But today the developers said the store would act as a 'catalyst' and attract other big names to the town.

Business leaders also welcomed the news of Debenhams' arrival, saying it will encourage more footfall.

The New Riverside project is being managed by Ignis Asset Management and the Shearer Property Group. David Rodger for Ignis said: "We are delighted to have signed an agreement with Debenhams.

"We believe this will be the catalyst that attracts the best brand names to Shrewsbury to complement the town's existing independent retail offer."

Guy Shearer, of SPG, said: "This is a key milestone in this important project.

"New Riverside will enhance the reputation of Shrewsbury as a major retail and tourist destination."

Meanwhile, Peter Bettis, chairman of Shrewsbury Business Chamber said: "It is great. It is really positive and will encourage more footfall.

Anything that creates wealth in the town is a good thing and this will bring lots of jobs.

"Shrewsbury is a growth area for Shropshire and this store will bring in people not just around the county but also from Wales. We should enjoy this investment in the whole area."

Planning permission for the development was granted earlier this month.

As well as the town's full line department store, the new shopping complex will have 50 stores and 12 restaurants. There will also be room for an extra 750 car park spaces.