American fast food chain Wendy’s is planning to open a new outlet in Commercial Road, in Portsmouth’s city centre at the former Burton’s store opposite the Jubilee Fountain.
The burger chain is aiming to open dozens of outlets across the UK this year as part of a European expansion. The Leader of Portsmouth City Council welcomed the business. They said it showed businesses had ‘confidence’ in the future of the city centre.
At the end of last year, JKR Restaurants secured planning permission to install a new ventilation system, enabling them to convert the unit into a restaurant. In March, they gained approval for a second application, allowing them to add new glazed windows, entrance doors, and fire exits.
Cllr Steve Pitt, Leader of the council said:
“This is one of the first signs that our plans to regenerate the city centre are having an impact,’ he added. ‘We’ve already seen River Island move to a bigger store and the fact we’ve been getting outbid when trying to buy these empty units is another good sign.
‘We still want to see more diversification of the high street and more independent businesses moving in but that’s going to require the government to make changes to business rates.’
Wendy’s already has 14 operating branches in the UK, most of which are in and around London.