The first major store has been announced for a controversial new shopping development.

Retail giant Debenhams will be a major occupier of the Marriott's Close site in Witney.

The company will open one of its Desire by Debenhams shops, specialising in women's clothing and accessories.

The 20,000 sq ft store will be split between two floors and will feature collections by designers such as Jasper Conran, John Rocha and Julien MacDonald.

The announcement comes just two months after developer Simons Developments was granted planning permission for the site.

Luke Pickering, director at Simons, said: "We're delighted to be able to confirm that Debenhams will be taking the store.

"It will complement and enhance shopping choice in the town, which was a key objective of the scheme."

The news also follows the recent signing of restaurant chain Frankie & Benny's and coffee shop Starbucks to the £40m shopping, cinema and residential scheme.

The UK's number two cinema operator Cineworld also announced in December its intention to operate a five-screen cinema on the site.

Andrew Tucker, strategic director at West Oxfordshire District Council, said: "Confirmation that these companies are coming to Witney is great news for the area.

"It will significantly improve the attraction of the town, both as a shopping centre and as a destination for visitors and family leisure purposes.

"Improved facilities closer to home will mean less travel for residents and keeping shoppers in the town will benefit local traders."

Phil Monaghan, head of acquisitions at Debenhams, said: "We've wanted to open a store in Witney for some time now and we are delighted to bring the Desire brand to the town.

"The facilities being provided give us the opportunity we have been waiting for to trade this exciting concept."

The first Desire store opened in Truro, Cornwall, in 2004. There are seven others in the UK and Ireland.

Mayor of Witney, Chrissie Curry, said: "It's great to know a really good, high quality store is coming in. It will bring people in and complement the stores we already have in Witney."