Spalding’s Springfields shopping centre in advanced talks with ‘exciting new occupier’ for vacant restaurant site

Advanced talks are being held with an ‘exciting new occupier’ for a closed restaurant.

The Frankie and Benny’s site at Springfields Leisure and Outlet Shopping centre in Spalding was one of a number of the national chain’s restaurants which closed last year.

But now the managers of the Camel Gate shopping centre are hoping that a new tenant has been found to take on the empty site - which is next to the car park.

A spokesman said: “We are at an advanced stage with an exciting new occupier and hope to be able to provide further information within the next six to eight weeks.”

The proposed expansion of Springfields, however, remains on hold due to the current state of the economy.

Springfields was granted planning permission nearly four years ago to add a further 18 new outlets which could create more than 350 jobs.

Centre owners were said to be looking to create 15 new retail units along with three food outlets – and hoped to attract major new names to the area.

The planning permission also includes requirement to spend £200,000 on town centre improvements, appointment of a Springfields Media Co-ordinator and interactive information screens.

A spokesman said: “The start date for the project is not yet fixed due to the current economic climate.”

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