A MAJOR retailer has announced it will be creating 110 new jobs at its new flagship Suffolk store.

Dave Gooderham

A MAJOR retailer has announced it will be creating 110 new jobs at its new flagship Suffolk store.

Less than two months before it opens, community leaders have welcomed the employment opportunities at the new Debenhams store in Bury St Edmunds.

The leading retailer will take centre stage in the �100million Arc shopping, leisure and housing development on the site of the town's former cattle market when it opens on March 5.

Steve Peters, town centre manager, welcomed the job boost by the store and the dozens of others due to open on the new mixed development.

He said: “Given the current economic climate, this is perfect timing and a great opportunity. We welcome the development and the opportunities it will bring with open arms.

“With the fruition of the Arc coming forward and the first shops opening in March, this is the first of many job opportunities for the town over the coming months.”

The massive Arc development is the biggest in the historic town since the building of the famous abbey. Workers are now gearing up to put the finishing touches to the project as the scaffolding starts coming down to reveal the new buildings.

In the coming weeks, the new retailers will be recruiting and training their new staff before stocking the shops and getting ready for the opening.

It is believed about 90% of the 35 shops on the Arc has been let or has legal deals in place with the likes of River Island, H&M, HMV and Waterstones all signed up.

After a nine-year absence in the town, the “ultra modern” three-level Debenhams department store in Bury will be the company's first in 2009 with a further four more planned in coming months.

Bury store manager Katy Tarmagni said: “It's quite surreal watching this amazing store develop before my very eyes. Every day there's a new milestone to celebrate and we creep ever closer to opening.

“From January 17, we will be busy training off-site, preparing for our handover on February 11 which is when things will start to get really exciting.”

In addition to shopping, the complex will also boast a 500-seat public venue and 62 contemporary apartments.