The mystery retailer earmarked to move into the proposed multi-million pound extension of Charter Place has been revealed.

General manager of intu Watford Howard Oldstein told the Observer that Debenhams had signed on the dotted line, adding: “With John Lewis and Marks & Spencer already anchoring intu Watford, we wanted to add an additional anchor as part of our development plans that would complement our existing and future retail mix."

The long awaited £100 million redevelopment, which is being undertaken by intu, started at the beginning of November.

The demolition is expected to last for up to four months. Workman have already remove all the benches, litter bins, paving slabs and cycle racks.

Once complete next year, the new building will house up to 16 shops, 10 restaurants and a nine-screen IMAX cinema.

A public square will also be created that will host an events programme, including street art and music shows.

Rob Hadfield, property director of Debenhams, said: “Watford has been a long time target location for us.

"With consistently high levels of customer requests for a new store there, the town was in our top five list of planned sites.

"The extension to intu Watford is a great setting for a new Debenhams department store.

"The existing footfall at the centre is really strong and the affluent catchment is perfect for our exclusive Designers at Debenhams portfolio of brands.”