Old Market shopping centre has opened in Hereford, bringing Debenhams to the city for the first time.

The 310,000 sq ft scheme, the only new city-centre retail development to open this year, was unveiled yesterday. It was built by developer Stanhope with forward funding by British Land which has now taken the keys after a three year development phase.

Waitrose, TK Maxx, Next and H&M have also opened up in the £90m, mixed-use scheme, which sits on the site of Hereford’s historic livestock market. As well as 18 retail stores, Old Market contains eight catering units and a six-screen Odeon cinema.

British Land head of retail Charles Maudsley said: “Old Market delivers a high quality retail and leisure experience to an affluent catchment. Attracting some of the best known retailers in the UK, including the city’s only department store, Old Market will enhance footfall and keep spend in Hereford”.

The opening had been planned for a fortnight ago, but was delayed due to widespread flooding in the South West earlier in the year.