Terms were agreed and contracts exchanged on the 43,000sq ft store in 2005 and this week the new store opened marking the first major completion of the £20million development of Talisman Square.

It is hoped the popularity of Waitrose - the first one in Warwickshire - will attract shoppers from out of town, bringing much-needed footfall to declining local shops as well as attracting other high street names to Kenilworth.

Joe Bacconet, town centre manager, said: "The opening of Waitrose represents the start of another part of a long journey for Kenilworth town centre.

"All involved hope that Waitrose will be a great success and help to support the town centre's regeneration and the independent businesses that make Kenilworth different.

"We know that Waitrose's decision to invest in Kenilworth has made other businesses and retailers look at Kenilworth - Loch Fyne, Ego Restaurants and Zizzi included."

Coun George Illingworth said: "It is great news that it is now open.

"A good five years ago we wondered if it would ever come to fruition but it has and here it is. It is another large piece of the jigsaw and when the car park is in use we shall really see the benefits."

Waitrose Branch Manager, Nick Harris, said: "The positive feedback we have received has been overwhelming. There is a real passion for quality food here and we are delighted to have the opportunity to let people discover our brand in Warwickshire for the first time.

"What we've aimed to do is reflect the ambience of a traditional grocery shop by focusing on the sense of community and service to ensure our new customers feel this is their neighbourhood shop.

"Our aim is to provide a shopping experience that will prove inviting for people in Kenilworth, making Talisman Square a vibrant place that will offer a focal point at the heart of the community.

"We look forward to becoming part of the town's fabric and playing an important role in the town's future for many years to come."

Nigel Keen, director of development for Waitrose, said: "Waitrose is delighted to be bringing more quality and choice in shopping to the people of Kenilworth.

"Most of our shops are in town centres and we have a proven track record in enhancing the economic vitality of established shopping centres.

"The new supermarket will keep trade within the centre of Kenilworth, allowing other smaller shops and businesses to benefit."

The multi-million pound scheme has included the relocation of Kenilworth's Youth and Community Centre to a brand new state-of-the-art facility next to Abbey End car park, as well as the redevelopment and modernisation of Talisman Square and the provision of a new car park to provide space for around 300 cars.