A TOTAL of 165 jobs are being created when the Debenhams store opens next month as part of The Rock development.

Ten per cent of the new positions have been given to the long-term unemployed as part of a national government-backed Local Employment Partnership initiative.

Mr Philip Elliott, who has worked for Debenhams for the past 15 years after starting his career as a weekend sales advisor, will manage the new 72,000 sq ft store in Derby Street —which opens on July 16 in tandem with the rest of the retail and leisure complex. He said: “This is an exciting time for Bury and I am proud to be at the helm of what is sure to be one of The Rock’s most popular stores. There is palpable excitement amongst my store team and we are all just itching to get on site and get the store ready for opening.”

The store will include a comprehensive range of womenswear, menswear, childrenswear, lingerie and accessories from designer names, including the latest collection from Ramsbottom’s Henry Holland, over three floors.

The store will also feature Bury’s first-ever dedicated beauty hall. Mr Elliott added: “We are really proud of our cosmetics offer as it is completely unique to the area and will now give the women of Bury a local destination to get hold of top beauty brands.”

A restaurant will be available on the second floor, alongside designer childrenswear brands and the store’s homeware collection. A free personal shopping service and wedding gift service will also be available.