NEW signs have been unveiled at an Italian restaurant in the heart of Leigh ahead of its grand opening in a former travel agents.

Picante, located in Leigh Broadway, was given the green light to open a new Italian restaurant back in April 2022.

The bosses of The Brunch Company, also based in Leigh Broadway, are behind the new restaurant and previously stated it would be “opening soon”. 

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The site was previously a former Tui travel agents and for a short period was Anna’s Plants. 

At the start of this year, concerns had been raised over a lack of action at the site since plans were granted approval. 

However, with new signs now in place and tables inside the restaurant, excitement is building for it to open. 

John Lamb, Conservative councillor responsible for West Leigh ward, said: “That is just lovely and brilliant news to see.

“I am really pleased to hear this, it is really good news.

“It is great that we can now all see the work that has been done, and that it looks close to completion.

“If the works were on show, or the boards sort of showed what was going on behind, there probably wouldn’t have been so much concern.

“But I am glad it is sorted now, and it is good to see what has been going on.

“I am sure many will be excited to have a new Italian restaurant in Leigh.”

Plans for the restaurant submitted to the council show around 30 tables including an events space, a bar area and toilets.

Bosses were also granted a license to sell booze.

Back on January 23, they wrote on social media: “We are close to completion, and we can’t wait to share what we have in store for you all.

“Our sister restaurant Picante will open its doors to the public soon.

“Keep your eyes peeled.”

At that time there were still boards around the site, with councillors raising concern around this “impacting the area’s image”.

The owners of the Brunch Company were contacted for comment by the Echo for an official opening date.