Nando’s set to arrive in Hartlepool this spring after being 'overwhelmed' with job applications

The popular chain, famous for its peri-peri chicken is set to open in March on the Anchor Retail Park following a refurbishment to the former Frankie & Benny’s unit.

Nando’s said on social media that they have been overwhelmed with the number of job applications they have received and closed invites on Friday, January 17.

Workmen are still busy on the site carrying out alterations to the building including putting in new glazing, cladding, corrugated rusted steel panels and hand-painted artwork panels.

Planning documents lodged on behalf of Nando’s when they applied for planning permission said the current grey building was ‘uninspiring’ and in need of investment.

They added the revamp would transform it into a ‘unique, attractive and inviting restaurant’ and stated: “The proposed external alterations will result in an updated and modernised unit adding interest and vitality to the wider retail and leisure park, which currently presents limited architectural merit.”

Outside seating and new signs are also being installed after planning permission was granted by Hartlepool Borough Council last October after no objections were received.

A planning statement for the plans said: “It will facilitate occupation of this large vacant restaurant by Nando’s and ensure a vibrant occupant for the future.

“The proposed alterations represent a significant investment on the part of the applicant into the site and the wider area in which it sits.”

Nando’s has created a Facebook page for the Hartlepool restaurant.

On it the restaurant chain said: “We are overwhelmed by the interest in joining our family. Due to the volume of applications we have received, we are closing the applications on Friday [January 17] at 3pm.”

The unit has been closed since Frankie & Benny’s ceased trading in September 2018 after experiencing problems within the business nationally.

Prior to that it was a Burger King which is returning to Hartlepool soon in a newly built drive-thru restaurant on the town’s Tees Bay Retail Park off Brenda Road.