More than 450 jobs have been created at a new Asda supermarket.
The £24 million development in Crawley has been hailed as a major boost for the town's neglected High Street area.
The 50,000sqft store in Pelger Way was officially opened this week.
Guests at the launch included Crawley Mayor Brian Quinn and members of St Catherine's Hospice, who organised a fund-raising trolley dash.
Store manager John Ponsford said: "We have been overwhelmed with the friendly reception we have received from the local community and cannot wait to open.
"Everyone's worked really hard to prepare the store and we hope customers will be impressed."
Crawley Mayor Brian Quinn said: "This is a good day all round for Crawley and the 450 jobs are most welcome.
"We want to be the premier town in Sussex and I think we are definitely heading that way.
"With retail, however, you cannot stand still so it was great to get a new store in town."
Planning consultants are now drawing up plans to knock down the Town Hall in The Boulevard and replace it with a new shopping centre.
Wednesday September 3, 2003
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