A NORTH American fast foot giant is set to move into Basildon and open up shop opposite a new retail park.

Tim Hortons has submitted an application to build a drive thru restaurant in Miles Gray Road.

The new branch will be adjacent to the Pippis Hill Retail Park and opposite the new St Hilary Retail Park which is set to open in December

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The development will see the demolition of the existing Burger Brats restaurant which closed last year.

“It’s fantastic news for the town that these large global brands are looking to invest in Basildon and see us as a good location for new business,” councillor Craig Rimmer, responsible for regeneration, said.

“It’s going to draw footfall into the town and will help boost income for the surrounding businesses.”

The new restaurant will feature 158 square meter indoor eating space, but will primarily operate as a drive thru.

The plans will have to be approved by Basildon Council.

The Canadian multinational chain serves coffee, doughnuts, and other fast food, with almost 5,000 restaurants in 15 countries, including 61 in the UK.

The nearest Tim Hortons is in Braintree, which opened in February creating 50 jobs, with dine-in seating for up to 104 guests.

“We are seeing a leisure-focused revolution of our economy, which helps increase the dwell-times, with customers more likely to spend more time in the town, rather than just coming in buying something and leaving,” Mr Rimmer added.

“And just as importantly, along with the new retail park, it is going to bring a load of new jobs to the town.”

The new St Hilary Retail Park in Miles Gray Road boasts a growing list of names queueing up to open later this year.

Construction is ongoing after former industrial buildings were flattened at the junction off Miles Gray Road and Luckyn Lane.

Big names set to open at the site include Greggs, Lidl, Tile Mountain, and LoknStore.

Plans also include 157 parking spaces at the retail park, which will sit opposite the existing Pipps Hill Retail Park, which features supermarket giants Asda, and stores such as B&Q, Argos, and Burger King.