ECONOMIC development company Opportunity Peterborough has been successful in persuading another quality restaurant to open in the centre of the city.

Nando’s, which specialises in spicy chicken dishes from Portugal, has confirmed its interest to open a restaurant in Cathedral Square which, if the deal goes to plan, could happen this summer and would create up to 40 jobs. The decision came at the end of several months of discussions between Nando’s and Opportunity Peterborough.

Steve Bowyer (above), head of economic development at Opportunity Peterborough, said, “We’ve been working closely with Nando’s for some months now and are delighted that they’re keen to open in Peterborough. This is all part of our work to create a restaurant and café culture in the heart of the city and we’re having a number of other interesting conversations that will support this vision.

“Nando’s are a great family restaurant that will add to our expanding daytime and evening economy. As well as attracting big national chains, we’re also working to bring independent restaurants to Peterborough to make sure the city has a broad appeal for both businesses and residents.”

Nando’s is the latest in a number of exciting new restaurants to open in the city, including Venture Inn, a Brazilian restaurant due to open in Cowgate, the Banyan Tree in Westgate and Jimmy Spices in New Road. Opportunity Peterborough was also instrumental in attracting the clothing retailer TK Maxx to the former Woolworth’s store in Bridge Street.