CASUAL dining chain Nando’s is coming to Blackburn as part of a redevelopment of the Vue cinema complex.

The news that the international restaurant company has chosen the town as its first outlet in East Lancashire has been welcomed as a major boost to regeneration plans.

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The proposals for upgrading the Vue, on the Peel Retail and Leisure Park behind the Railway Station includes two new restaurants.

Last night Nando’s, which specialises in chicken dishes, confirmed they were opening a branch inside the revamped complex which includes 11 screens and a ‘Bowlplex’ alley.

It is expected to open in December in time for Christmas.

The restaurant is particularly popular with young people for its spicy Portuguese/Mozambican-based menu.

The move has been welcomed by former MP Jack Straw and all four general election candidates.

Mr Straw, chairman designate of the town’s Youth Zone, said: “This is very good news for Blackburn and its regeneration.

“It will be welcomed by young people from all communities across the town.”

Nando’s, a South African company has more than 1,000 outlets in 30 countries world-wide and is famous for its signature hot ‘Peri-Peri’ marinade.

No decision has yet been taken on whether the restaurant should be ‘halal’ but it is expected when the company examines the population make-up of the town it will meet Muslim dietary rules in common with its other outlets in areas with high South Asian populations across the UK.

Vue owners M and G Real estates have submitted a planning application for extensions to the front of the building providing nearly 200 square yards of floorspace.

The extension and reconfiguring of the existing interior layout will provide two new restaurants.

Nando’s will occupy one while the second occupant is at yet unknown.

The plan includes alterations to the front of the building; including a new entrance, and changes to the car park layout.

The proposal, which will require planning permission from Blackburn with Darwen borough, dovetails with the council’s plans to include five new restaurants in the town centre.

One will be on the ground floor of the new Premier Inn rising with the rest of the £33 million Cathedral Quarter on the other side of the railway station.

Borough regeneration chiefs hope that Nando’s decision will encourage other target restaurant chains including including Bella Italia, Cafe Rouge and Pizza Express to come to Blackburn.

The news follows Ed’s Diner last month opening a branch of its American-style restaurant in the Mall.

Former borough leader and Labour candidate Kate Hollern said: “I am absolutely delighted.

“This is just what the town and its young people need.

“Experience shows that when major restaurant chains come to town’s, others are encouraged to follow suit.”

Tory candidate Bob Eastwood said: “It’s good news Nando’s is coming to Blackburn.

“I just wish they had chose a more central location in the town which would have helped revive the night-time economy.”

UKIP candidate and 21-year-old old University of Chester student Dayle Taylor said: “I’m really pleased.

“It’s a good thing for Blackburn and I will certainly go. I eat at Nando’s at least once a week in Chester.

“Young people who are living in Accrington, Burnley and across East Lancashire will be delighted to have a Nando’s so close rather than in Preston.”

Liberal Democrat candidate Gordon Lishman, aged 67, said:”I am delighted Nando’s is coming to Blackburn.

“I like Nando’s so I shall be going there myself.”

A spokeswoman for Nando’s said: “We’re thrilled to be spreading more Peri Peri love in Lancashire with the opening our first Nando’s in Blackburn next winter.