THE official opening date for Witney’s long-awaited new town centre shopping development has been announced, along with the creation of new jobs.

Marriotts Close will bring a “huge boost” to the town when it opens on October 29, West Oxfordshire District Council leader Barry Norton said.

Two of the country’s biggest retailers – Marks & Spencer and Debenhams – have confirmed that they will create an extra 150 jobs.

Mr Norton said: “The development is progressing well, as is shown by the fact that Marks & Spencer shopfitters are already working on fitting out their store – which, in itself, is a statement that it is looking forward to coming to Witney.

“Once the centre opens, with shops like Marks & Spencer and Debenhams, it will be a huge boost for local people who won’t have to shop so far away.

“It will boost the local economy, not just for those shops, but for other shopping outlets. It’s a win-win situation.”

Marks & Spencer, where work started earlier this week, will be the centrepiece for the £50m development.

The company confirmed that it would employ about 100 people.

In January, the retailer announced it was closing 27 outlets and making 1,200 staff redundant following falling sales, raising fears that the chain may pull out of Marriotts Close.

A spokesman for Debenhams said it would create about 50 jobs.

Pictures of the project, revealed by Simons Developments, show Starbucks coffee shop, Accessorize and Monsoon, Cafe Rouge, Wallis, and restaurant Frankie and Benny’s.

Other stores already announced are New Look and Dorothy Perkins. There will also be a five-screen cinema, cafes, a restaurant, new homes, a multi-storey car park and open green space.

Martin McGread, project manager for Simons Developments, said: “We are looking forward to removing the scaffolding to reveal the near-finished scheme.”

Warwick Robinson, the district council cabinet member for economic development, said: “The council is delighted that this exciting new development is successfully entering its final phase and is set to create many new jobs over the coming months.

“It should help secure Witney’s position as a thriving market town attracting more visitors as well as providing better facilities for local residents.”