House of Fraser has unveiled its first shop to open since the takeover of the department store group in a Baugur-backed deal more than a year ago.

HoF chief executive John King, accompanied by supermodel and new face of the House of Fraser Yasmin Le Bon, cut the ribbon yesterday at the store in Belfast's Victoria Square scheme.

The 200,000 sq ft store over five levels includes the House of Fraser's first out-of-hours restaurant, Ba Mizu. The shop carries more than 500 brands, including debuts from upmarket names Agent Provocateur, The White Company and the first Hamleys in Northern Ireland.

The store features new shopfits from brands including Kookaï, Phase Eight, Ghost and Aquascutum, a 6,000sq ft Handbag Heaven and a 4,000 sq ft shoe department.

Le Bon was on hand to lead a catwalk show before mingling with shoppers during the first few hours of the store opening on Thursday.

King described the opening as his "proudest moment" since the£350 million takeover in November 2006. He said the store is a "shining testament to world class retail".

He added that the store, which anchors the 800,000 sq ft£400 million Victoria Square regeneration project, has been "long over due" for the people of Belfast.

House of Fraser will unveil its High Wycombe store next week and has revealed images of its Westfield London site set to open before Christmas.

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