It is not long now until the doors open at the brand new four-storey Debenhams, marking the start of intu Watford’s openings.

The shop is currently also busy choosing a special Watford hero, from hundreds of public nominations, to officially open the store by doing the ribbon-cutting honours.

The hero – an ordinary person who’s done extraordinary things – will get an exclusive preview of the store before it opens to the public. They’ll also win a styling session with a Debenhams designer and £200 of designer clothes, plus make-up and treatments from the new beauty hall.

The brand-new store will showcase exclusive designer fashion from September 27, including Star by Julien Macdonald, J by Jasper Conran, No.1 by Jenny Packham and Studio by Preen – and leading beauty brands such as Tom Ford, Chanel and Dior. With restaurants, a Prosecco bar and the promise of more “surprises and delights”.

Vicki Costello, general manager at intu Watford, says: “We are extremely excited to be opening the new Debenhams at intu Watford next month, marking the completion of the first phase of our £180m development.

“This is an incredible start to a series of openings to follow from now until Christmas, which will see restaurants, fashion retailers, the Hollywood Bowl and IMAX Cineworld open over the coming months.”

Much is planned for the opening day and weekend, with entertainment, music, dancing, giveaways and more expected –as well as goodies for the first people in the queue on the opening day.

Debenhams – which has created 100 jobs – is part of intu Watford’s vibrant new 400,000 square foot development for shoppers, leisure-seekers and foodies from Watford and beyond, injecting new life and energy into our town.

The line-up for the £180 million development includes 13 new retailers, 11 new restaurants and leisure facilities. Superdry, H&M, Jack Wills, New Look, The Florist, TGI Friday, Las Iguanas, and YO! Sushi, will all be brand new to Watford. A new public square will also be home to fun community events including street art and music shows.

Hollywood Bowl and Cineworld will open later this year, so check out the opening schedule at intu.co.uk/Watford.