Popular chicken restaurant chain Nando’s is set to open up business in Hemel Hempstead under long-awaited renovation plans for Jarman Park’s LeisureWorld.
But it will be at least another year before diners can feast at the eatery, which is just one of a string of restaurants signed up by site operators Capital and Regional.
Also poised to set up business is American diner Coast to Coast, Mexican restaurant and bar Chiquito, Frankie and Benny’s and pub chain the Hungry Horse.
In addition, the firm says it has agreed terms with a buffet operator and wants to relocate the proposed gym from the first floor to the ground level of the Hemel Hempstead development and house a children’s play area in part of the scheme that has already been dedicated to bowling.
Capital and Regional project manager David James said: “Clearly it is all very positive for the redevelopment of LeisureWorld.”
But in a blow to the project, the operators have announced that bingo provider Gala has pulled out of the scheme.
In March last year, planning chiefs at Dacorum Borough Council granted planning permission for the £4 million renovation of the rundown party venue, previously infamous for booze fuelled trouble from punters spilling out of its nightclubs and bars. Nightspots Lava and Ignite closed their doors in 2011 because they were losing money, with party bar JJs and Hotshots bowling alley also shutting up shop.
A fresh planning application to reflect the changes to satisfy the businesses that are moving in has been submitted to the council.
Mr James said it is anticipated that construction will be completed in around a year’s time.