New signs have been put up at an empty shop in Colchester High Street which is set to become an American fast food restaurant. 

Wendy’s move to the city centre was confirmed in April, with bosses of the restaurant chain announcing the move into the former Next store. 

Building on the success of the drive-through restaurant at the Northern Gateway Leisure Park, bosses were excited to add another store to the growing franchise in Essex. 

Further restaurants opened in Southend and Chelmsford in early 2024. 

Signs - New signs for the soon-to-be Wendy's in High Street have gone upSigns - New signs for the soon-to-be Wendy's in High Street have gone up (Image: Newsquest)

Colchester Council refused an application for a number of illuminated and non-illuminated signs depicting the brand’s iconic image of the pigtailed, smiling girl. 

The signage was deemed “inappropriate” and “harmful” in the council’s decision to block the application. 

A revised plan was submitted to the council in early November, suggesting a more subtle approach to the signage. 

NFH Restaurants Ltd also applied on behalf of Wendy’s to install supply and extraction ducts and four condenser units to the roof’s flat surface, which was given the green light by the council in July. 

An opening date for the High Street branch is yet to be revealed.