A BIG-name restaurant chain is set to arrive in Colchester as part of the £5.5 million revamp of the town’s old Co-op store.

Plans to turn the old East of England Co-op building on the corner of Long Wyre Street, which had been blighted by anti-social behaviour, into five new restaurants, two shops and 24 apartments were approved in 2017.

Building work finally got underway in September last year and was initially scheduled for completion this autumn.

However, works have faced delays, and a new application has now been submitted in relation to a number of conditions on site.

The application reveals a “national restaurant operator” has been signed up to the scheme and has “influenced the design proposals”.

The big name brand, which isn’t named, wants to install sliding doors on to Culver Street, which will allow it to make best use of nearby St Nicholas Square, which is set to undergo a major revamp.

A planning statement states: “Opening up the restaurant onto St Nicholas Square is considered to be a significant benefit to the scheme, and will assist in reintroducing footfall and vibrancy into this part of Colchester.

“The scheme represents an opportunity to assist regeneration of this key area of the town centre by boosting trade and increasing footfall along this part of Colchester.

“The development site is classed as an opportunity site whereby historic assets can be enhanced and fully utilised through development or regneration in order to maximise their potential."

Funding for the revamp of St Nicholas Square, which is seen as a key gateway in the town centre, has been secured by the We Are Colchester partnership as part of its bid for £25 million from the Government’s Town Deal fund.

Colchester Council is also redeveloping the iconic Jack’s store, which will be home to Three Wise Monkeys’ brewing operation.

David King, Colchester Council’s business and resources boss, welcomed the national chain setting its sites on Colchester and said the area was a “key location” for the town centre’s future.

“It is great news some of our key locations are attracting investment and attention like this,” he said.

“I do think once it is complete there will be a fantastic combination of development in the area and work on the new square will complement it well.

“The Town Deal has given us a huge opportunity to revitalise the town centre.

“I think we can remain positive about Colchester town centre, but we have to be aware we face a period of accelerated retail change.”