Empty shops to become restaurants as part of multi-million pound revamp

Empty shops are being converted into five new restaurants and cafes in the second stage of a multi-million pound revamp of a West Bromwich shopping centre.

Bosses are in talks with major names in a bid to attract them to the new units at Queens Square.

They would join other popular restaurants in the town centre including Prezzo, Nando's and Harvester at nearby New Square, which opened last year.

The work follows the completion of the first phase of the £7million overhaul which has included creating new modern and welcoming entrances at each elevation of the centre.

Facilities have also been improved including the opening of new public toilets while the mall areas have been redecorated with warm colours to make them more welcoming.

New signs with the shopping centre's revamped logo have also been installed while a central square area between the malls has been created with the removal of the canopy linking Queens Square to the Kings Square shopping centre.

Work is now to start on converting the retail units, which are located on the west side of the shopping centre, facing the pedestrianised zone in front of The Public arts centre and New Square.

A spokesman for the shopping centre said: "The re-development of this elevation will be an exciting milestone for Queens Square Shopping Centre in welcoming a dining out offer, cementing the scheme's ' position within the town centre and demonstrating its commitment to its visitors and West Bromwich."

Owner Fairacre was granted planning permission by Sandwell Council to change the use of units 16-23 from retail to restaurant, cafe, pub, bar and takeaway use.

At the time it said the changes would help the centre to meet the demands of shoppers.

Nearly £7m, including a £3m contribution by Sandwell Council, is being invested on improving the shopping centre.

The refit is the latest boost to West Bromwich High Street after the opening of the £200 million New Square shopping centre last year.