A HUGE new restaurant is set to kick-start the regeneration of Basildon town centre.

Mighty Rhino, a buffet chain specialising in oriental food, has drawn up plans to take over five empty units in East Walk, including the site of the former Thomson Holidays’ shop.

The huge restaurant would be split across two floors, offering 210 seats inside and 40 outside.

An estimated 25 full-time jobs would be created.

Phil Turner, leader of Basildon Council, believes the development could launch a multi-million pound makeover of the town centre.

The Tory administration wants to create an evening economy in the town, focused around a leisure quarter featuring restaurants, cafe's and bars.

Mr Turner said: “This could be the start of more to come.

We’re trying to bring life back into the town centre.

“This restaurant would bring benefits to the local economy and, hopefully, a lot of local people will end up working there.

“It's a really encouraging sign that this company is willing to take a chance on our town centre. he main thing we’re trying to do is offer a lot more opportunities.”

Existing restaurants in the town centre are currently only open during the day as they are located in the Eastgate Centre.

The shopping centre is undergoing its own £20million overhaul, which will bring a cinema, four restaurants, and later opening hours .

McDonald’s and Pizza Hut both pulled the plug on their Town Square branches in 2013.

Mighty Rhino, which has a branch in Chatham, Kent, wants to open between noon and 11.30pm Monday to Sunday, and between noon and 10pm on Sunday's and bank holidays. It would also offer a takeaway service.

Planning agent Ian Stephenson, from Hornchuchbased architects ISL,said: “The proposed change of use would bring five vacant units back into active use and help maintain the vitality and viability of the town centre.

“It is expected that local residents, workers and shoppers will use the facility.”

The council's planning committee is due to decide on the application in November.