UP TO 100 new jobs will be created in a Hampshire town centre when a new department store opens its doors this summer.

Debenhams, which is on track to open in Fareham Shopping Centre in June, has announced it is upgrading its forthcoming store to a full department store. Originally, it was planned as a ladies’ fashion and accessories store.

The upgrade has created about 100 new jobs for the town.

The news has been welcomed as a huge boost to the local economy in the wake of the recession.

Fareham Borough Council leader Sean Woodward described the new store as “a fantastic anchor for the shopping centre”.

He said: “This is fantastic news for Fareham. Not only will it be creating 100 new jobs, but it will also bring more people to the town centre.”

Building work for the new shop – which was initially due to open in time for the 2008 Christmas rush – finished last month and the store’s interior is now being fitted.

The building work was delayed last year when seven wells were uncovered under the site.

The history of the wells remains a mystery and they have now been reinforced and hidden underneath the new store.

Lisa Williams, spokesman for Debenhams, said: “We are very excited about being in Fareham and of course it’s nice to give people a bit of good news about job opportunities during the recession.”