Waitrose would be a big boost to the town

Plans had been submitted to build a new cinema on the site but these were shelved after interest from the John Lewis Partnership.

The council will be working in partnership with developers Farrho and John Lewis to bring Waitrose to the town.

It is likely to be the mid part of 2004 before the scheme is complete.

There are also proposals to turn the area into an entertainment zone, with a 10-pin bowling complex built next to the retail development.

The department store group is keen to develop sites in the north west of the UK, with the nearest currently over 100 miles away in Nottinghamshire.

Retail bosses believe north east Wales would be an ideal location.

The Waitrose Food and Home Store would be the first in Wales, others are located in southern England.

Wrexham council leader Shan Wilkinson said she is pleased with the project.

"The interest in Wrexham by the John Lewis Partnership is a huge vote of confidence in our belief that Wrexham is really going places as a regional centre.

"I am encouraged by the company's sensitive approach and their wish to support town centre regeneration."