WAITROSE has confirmed it will open a supermarket in High Wycombe.

As the Bucks Free Press reported in January, the retailer will move in to the food store being built as part of the Handy Cross Hub project.

The supermarket is due to open in 2015 and will create about 160 jobs.

Waitrose director of development, Nigel Keen, said: “This is an exciting opportunity to provide High Wycombe with the full offer from the John Lewis Partnership.

“Waitrose will complement the department store, delivering our latest range of goods and services, and create a significant number of jobs.

“We are looking forward to playing our part in the local business community for many years to come."

The supermarket will have 2,300sqm of trading space and will include a winery, bakery, fresh food counters and will also offer home delivery.

Cllr Tony Green, Cabinet Member for Economic Development and Regeneration at Wycombe District Council, said: "This is a real boost for High Wycombe’s retail offer given the new employment Waitrose will bring and the increased consumer choice that the branch will provide.

"The John Lewis Partnership, the model of ownership under which Waitrose operates, is nationally recognised as sustainable and profitable.

“This new store will be a really exciting addition to High Wycombe’s retail scene and I know people will be delighted that a quality retailer like Waitrose has chosen to open here.

“These are exciting times for the district and the Handy Cross Hub development is set to play a positive role in its future.”

Construction on the new Wycombe Sports Centre is already underway - with a hotel, offices and a coachway park-and-ride also planned.