A NEW restaurant could be on its way to a town centre as part of a multi-million pound development.

Restaurant chain EastZEast is in talks with Blackburn with Darwen Council to open a 200-seat restaurant.

The eatery would be situated on the Blakeys site at King George’s Hall.

It would operate seven days a week and include a gelato offer with coffee, light meals and desserts during the day.

Council bosses said the Blakeys Cafe Bar had been operating at a loss throughout 2017 and had been closed on Mondays to save money.

A decision will be made on the proposals by the council in March but no closure date has been announced.

Council chiefs said the plans would amount to a ‘significant investment’ in Blackburn town centre and will support the upcoming £16 million development of the wider Blakey Moor area.

But the Lancashire Telegraph understands that some staff had not been told about the possible sale and closure of Blakeys and of potential job losses.

A source, who wished to remain anonymous, told the Telegraph: “Some staff were not told about the possibility of a sale or that it would be closing or that jobs could be put at risk.

“I think it’s disappointing that these staff have been left in the dark.

“They have instead found out through rumours and third parties and through a post confirming the new restaurant on Facebook.

“There has just been a lack of communication.

Popular with Blackburn residents, Blakeys has a small stage and is ideal for celebration events such as weddings and prizegivings.

It is also used as a local venue for variety of music and entertainment and provides off site catering and bar services.

However, the council said staff working at Blakeys have been informed of the plans, and re-deployment in other roles within Blackburn with Darwen Council is ‘actively being sought.’

Martin Eden, director of environment and leisure, said: “The 5 staff affected were involved in a meeting with representatives from the trade union and council HR.

" One-to-one meetings with staff will take place as soon as possible to consider redeployment opportunities.

"We will do whatever we can to redeploy colleagues. We do not yet have a definite closing date as the issue will not go to the council’s executive board until March 8.”

The authority said the new restaurant would provide a ‘valuable new addition’ to the improving food and drink offer in the town centre, also attracting wider audiences to King George’ Hall.

Cllr Phil Riley, borough regeneration boss, said: “The council is looking at a new use for the site at King George’s Hall which is currently home to Blakeys which has been making a loss.

“This is not sustainable given the considerable budget pressures for the last few years.”

EastZEast is a well-respected brand with a number of outlets including Preston, Manchester and Birmingham, and is also expanding into the South of the UK.