TODAY John Lewis gave a first glimpse inside its new £23million shop in Cheltenham.

The stunning re-building of the former Beechwood Shopping Centre in the High Street is set to create one of the region's leading department stores.

Three hundred people will be employed in the shop when it opens on Thursday, October 18.

The shop has been designed by architects Haskoll with the town's heritage in mind.

Its striking frontage includes five window bays, each featuring wrought-iron curves inspired by the Regency era tracery found on buildings throughout Cheltenham.

Inside, though there is still much work to do, the familiar John Lewis store layout is in place.

Customers entering from the High Street will be greeted by an array of 18 beauty counters.

Also on the ground floor will be clothing departments for men, women and children.

Shoppers will glide up a central escalator to the second floor, and the homeware and electricals departments.

A Huffkins baker and tearoom on the same floor will overlook the High Street through the store's striking window tracery.

  • We'll post more details of Cheltenham's new John Lewis store later.​