Two new restaurants can now open at Ocean Plaza Leisure in Southport, creating 40 new jobs, after planning permission was approved by Sefton Council.
Kaspa’s Doner & Gyros and Kaspa’s Desserts will breathe new life into the 369 sq m unit which has been vacant since Frankie & Benny’s closed at the onset of the Covid pandemic in March 2020.
It is understood that Kaspa’s is due to open later this year as a dessert restaurant in part of the former Frankie & Benny’s.
The Kaspa’s doner & gyros restaurant is scheduled to open until next year, as a separate business in the other part of Frankie & Benny’s.
The Kaspa’s opening hours would be 11am-10pm seven days a week with 20 full-time and 20 part-time members of staff.
In his report, Sefton Council Chief Planning Officer Derek McKenzie said: “The site relates to the Frankie and Benny’s (restaurant) situated within the Ocean Plaza retail Park.
“The proposed two new units created would be Kaspa’s Desserts and Doner & Gyros.
“The total floorspace associated with the proposal is 371 square metres. As the application seeks to repurpose the existing floorspace for continued food and drink use then there should not be any material difference in respect of town centre trading performance.
“There are already existing food and drink operators at Ocean Plaza which limits the need for patrons to walk into the towN centre for sustenance. In this context, we do not believe that sites within Southport town centre could meet the same market opportunity in a suitable manner.”
It is further good news for the bustling retail park, which saw the new Coastline Crossfit gym and the Wareing Brothers cafe opening earlier this summer.
Building work is currently taking place on creating Southport’s first Starbucks drive-through cafe at Ocean Plaza Leisure, which will see the creation of 20 new jobs when it opens soon.
Read More: New Coastline Crossfit gym officially opens at Ocean Plaza Leisure in Southport
Planning permission has also been granted for work to start on a new Victorian-style train station terminal for the Southport Pleasureland Miniature Railway, with a fish & chip café and an ice cream parlour, creating 10 new jobs.
Kaspa’s is a national chain which operates 104 sites across the UK, with 13 in the North of England, including Preston, Liverpool, Blackburn and Blackpool.
The firm was founded in Croydon in south London in 2012.
Fadi Alkhanshali, of Benfaz Limited, has submitted a planning application to Sefton Council for the subdivision of the former Frankie & Benny’s restaurant into two units, the change of use of one of the subdivided units into a mixed restaurant and hot food takeaway, including a new shop front entrance, the installation of HVAC equipment and associated signage.
On its website, the firm says: “Kaspa’s are a chain of exciting new dessert houses that offer the world’s favourite hot and cold desserts under one roof.
“Our menu boasts a mouthwatering selection of ice creams, gelatos, waffles, crepes, milkshakes, smoothies and sundaes.
“Our parlours will change the way you view dessert.
“At Kaspas Desserts, our mission is to create an environment where enjoying authentic desserts with family, friends and loved ones is an unforgettable experience. We strive to continuously provide our guests with irresistible products and unrivalled customer service.”
The Frankie and Benny’s at Ocean Plaza Leisure in Southport closed its doors for good on Friday, 20th March 2020.
A spokesperson for the firm said at the time: “The casual dining market is facing various headwinds, such as increased property costs, which has impacted certain sites within our leisure portfolio.
“In light of this backdrop, we took the difficult decision to close the Frankie and Benny’s site in Ocean Plaza, Southport.
“However, we are pleased that the majority of staff at this site were redeployed to neighbouring sites”.
The new additions will add to the vibrant leisure and hospitality offering already at Ocean Plaza Leisure, which includes Vue Cinema, Tenpin bowling, Playtown children’s centre, Roberto’s Italian restaurant, Everlast Gym, Nando’s restaurant, Subway sandwich shop and Evans Cycles.
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