APRIL 17 is D-Day for the much anticipated Old Market in Hereford, with eight companies circling the date in their diaries for their big openings.

Along with Waitrose, Debenhams, TK Maxx, Next, L’Occitane, Fatface, Clarks and Costa are all on track to open their doors on that Thursday.

Stanhope’s Gary Bourne said: “We’re excited to confirm the first stores will open their doors on April 17.

“More shops and restaurants – along with the new six-screen Odeon cinema – ¬ will open in the weeks thereafter.”

With fitting times varying from unit to unit, the development will operate a graduated opening, with H&M currently the final store set to open in Autumn.

Mr Bourne added: “We are pleased to report that Old Market is now over 90 percent prelet or under offer.

"And we look forward to announcing the next tranche of exciting retailers before the scheme opens in April.”