A new Nando’s restaurant is set to will be open “inside two weeks”, a senior councillor has confirmed.

The eatery in Basildon’s new East Square development is part of the £25million cinema complex in the town centre.

It comes as Kaspa’s Desserts confirmed it will be opening in a matter of days. Craig Rimmer, councillor responsible for regeneration, said the council is also in talk two other businesses about opening at the complex.

He said: “I believe Nando’s is opening in the next two weeks. We are talking with two other businesses and expect to be announcing more very soon. I am very excited about the complex and that part of the town is really starting to come alive.

“We are already seeing more footfall and it’s going to be the shining light in the crown of Basildon and Essex.”

The Nando’s restaurant will replace the current Eastgate Shopping Centre restaurant, which will be closing, with all staff transferred across and seating for 100 people.

It also comes as huge questions still remain over when the Empire Cinema will open. The project has been delayed on multiple occasions and opening dates pushed back, with bosses most recently stating it will open “at the end of the year”.