MORE jobs are set to be created after Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council gave the green light for a popular fast food chain to open a new store in the town centre.

The borough council has granted Amsric Foods Limited planning permission to renovate an empty unit in The Malls, and convert it into a new KFC restaurant which is set to open next month.

The new restaurant and takeaway will provide 70 new jobs and will be open between 7am and 11pm, Monday to Sunday.

Councillor John Izett, borough Cabinet member for property, finance and commissioning, said: “The arrival of KFC at The Malls is yet more great news for shoppers and further evidence that Basingstoke town centre as a whole is thriving and continues to expand.

“This latest shop let, which now brings us very close to full capacity, is not only good news for those people shopping at The Malls but also beneficial to our residents, with the significant additional rent put towards the provision of council services.”

A spokesman from Amsric Foods Ltd, which also runs the KFC restaurant at Basingstoke Leisure Park, added: “We are very excited to offer an opportunity for everyone to visit a brand new 170-seat restaurant in the centre of Basingstoke at The Malls, close to the railway station, and are looking forward to opening in November.”