THIRTY-TWO new jobs could be created if a restaurant is allowed to open in a former furniture and homeware shop.
Wagamama – a Japanese restaurant and noodle bar chain – has asked Rushcliffe Borough Council for permission to operate in Central Avenue, West Bridgford.
The shop is currently empty, having been used up until last month by Sleepers, part of the Co-Operative group.
If Wagamama goes ahead, 32 full-time jobs will be created, including chefs, bar staff, waiters and management positions.
Rod Jones, a Liberal Democrat councillor for the Musters ward, questioned whether West Bridgford needed another restaurant.
"It's a sad day that so many basic shops are reducing in number in West Bridgford and the number of places to eat and drink are multiplying," he said. "On the other hand, it does seem there are people who are prepared to spend money in those places and unless they start losing custom it's commercially inevitable that more will appear.
"West Bridgford is just becoming a place to eat, another standardised area that's full of chains and while it brings a certain liveliness to the street it is not sustainable.
"People need to be supporting their local shops, especially the smaller, independent ones."
If approved, a new shop front would be created for the restaurant.
Once open, it could accommodate up to 100 diners and would open between 11.30am to 11pm from Monday to Saturday and 11.30am to 10pm on Sundays.
An outside seating area would also be created.
Matthew Brooks, 27, of Musters Road, West Bridgford, was disappointed that Wagamama might be opening.
"I've been there once and I wasn't impressed at all," he said.
"It would be nice to have a bit more variety because a lot of places in the centre do quite similar stuff, but I'd rather see an independent venue opened up rather than another chain which you can go to in Nottingham anyway."
A design and access statement submitted with the application said: "The proposed use is attractive in town centre retail terms as it will attract a high level of footfall throughout the day and into the evening, adding vibrancy and interest to what is functionally a secondary retail location.
"It will also provide a new food and drink offer and therefore a food type not currently available in the area.
"The nature of the proposed use is such that it will complement the existing retail function of the centre."
What do you think? Does West Bridgford already have too many restaurants, or will Wagamama provide much-needed variety? E-mail us at newsdesk@nottinghampostgroup.co.uk
