TWENTY new full-time jobs are on the cards for Felixstowe today after the go-ahead was given for a former furniture store to be turned into an upmarket Italian restaurant.

Prezzo is taking over the old Candlers store in the town centre and has been granted permission by Suffolk Coastal planners for a restaurant for 110 people on the ground floor, 44 upstairs, and a small courtyard seating area for fine weather.

The new jobs will be in addition to a further 20 or so to be created at the rear of the site, where the store’s warehouse and car park are to be used for seven new business units.

It is an important boost for employment in the town centre, which could see another 200 extra jobs if Albourne Property’s plans for a superstore next to the railway station are approved.

Pegasus Planning Group, acting on behalf of Prezzo plc, said the change of use for Candlers would bring an empty building back into use and provide employment for local people, enhancing economic growth.

“The introduction of a vibrant restaurant such as Prezzo will create an increase in footfall as well as creating new jobs and enhancing the vitality and viability of Felixstowe town centre,” said the company.

“Prezzo is a well-known restaurant brand which is open during the day, as well as into the evening. As such, the proposed new use will present a lively use, which will enhance the active frontage of Hamilton Road.

“Furthermore, by the nature of the use proposed, this activity will be extended into the early evening, thus helping to benefit the vitality and viability of the evening economy of Felixstowe as a whole.”

The project will also involve adding a small flat-roofed extension at the rear.

Candlers closed its doors last year after more than a century in the town with the retirement of owner Donald Candler, 92.

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