AMERICAN restaurant chain TGI Friday’s is the latest restaurant to sign up to the Friars Walk development which is set to open in November this year.

The franchise, which is well known for its burgers, ribs and Jack Daniels sauce, is now the 10th restaurant to take up a spot in Usk Plaza – Friars Walk’s leisure section.

It joins the likes of Prezzo, Le Bistrot Pierre, Nandos, Las Iguanas, Gourmet Burger Kitchen and Loungers which have all already signed up.

This will be the dining chain’s first branch in Newport, with the current nearest restaurant being in Cardiff. It will be located close to Cineworld, the eight screen cinema which is also set to open.

David Carroll, Property Director for TGI Friday’s UK, said “We are delighted to be bringing the TGI Friday’s unique experience to the outstanding Friars Walk retail and leisure development in the heart of Newport.”

Queensberry Real Estate, the company behind the city centre project, revealed last week the new 390,000 sq ft retail and leisure centre would be opening at 10am on November 12 this year.

The developers estimate Friar’s Walk, which is currently 65 per cent let, will attract around 10 million visitors in the first year alone.

Stuart Harris, Commercial Director and Co-Founder of the franchise, said: “TGI’s is another great brand to add to our mix of restaurant options at Friars Walk, we now truly have something to suit all tastes.

“The quality of restaurants in combination with the retail and leisure offer at both Friars Walk and nearby will offer everyone leisure choices throughout the whole day and evening in a fantastic new modern environment.”

It has taken four years for developers Queensberry to come up with the concept, secure funding, find the right businesses and build the scheme.

Paul Sargent, chief executive and co-founder of Queensberry, said: “Friars Walk will transform Newport, giving people a reason to return to the city centre.

“There is a real buzz and sense of excitement from within the community and we will create an environment that people will want to return to time and time again.”

The development will include a Debenhams department store as well as retail units such as Next, H&M, Top Shop, River Island and New Look. A total of 350 parking spaces and a major new bus station interchange is also in the development.

A total of1,200 jobs are estimated to be created, worth around £15 million in salaries a year to the local economy.