The 1.1m sq ft scheme in Leicester is anchored by John Lewis, House of Fraser and Debenhams with a total of 120 stores, 15 restaurants and cafes.

The centre saw more than 25,000 people within the first two hours of trading with John Lewis mobbed and the Apple store creating a queue around the block.

With the scheme 87% let by income, over three quarters of the retailers at Highcross Leicester are new to the city.

The line up includes Hugo Boss, Reiss, Ghost, Apple and Guess with Irish brand A-Wear opening its first English store at the scheme.

David Atkins, Hammerson managing director of UK retail, said: 'With 25,000 people visiting Highcross Leicester in the first two hours of trading, it seems clear that this scheme is set to transform the city.

'In spite of UK consumers recently taking a more cautious approach to spending, sales in the first few hours seem to demonstrate that an exciting retail experience will still prompt customers to take out their wallets.'