TWO new restaurants are set to open on Basildon’s Festival Leisure Park.

Chiquito will close on August 18 and be converted into a Wagamama restaurant.

And park bosses have submitted separate plans to convert two empty shops into a new restaurant.

The Restaurant Group, the firm behind Chiquito and Wagamama is keeping tight-lipped about any cost of works - and chance of new jobs.

The closure news has been met with some sadness in the community.

Pat Rackley, former Labour councillor, said: “We go there often for breakfast.

“We were told by the staff about the closure and will be very sad to see it close down.

“It is very popular and always busy in there and the staff are lovely.”

Charlotte Logan, 33, of High Road, Laindon said: “We’ve been going to this restaurant for years.

“I will also be sad to see it close but I am also a fan of Wagamama so it’ll be good to see that open too.

“I am pleased to see there is further investment at the leisure park.

“It’s good to think firms still think it’s an area worth while in investing in.”

A spokesman for The Restaurant Group, said: “Our Chiquito restaurant in Basildon will be converting to a Wagamama.

“Chiquito would like to thank all its guests for the last 12 years.

“The Wagamama team is delighted with the opportunity to serve Basildon going forwards and will be offering guests its delicious pan-Asian menu later in the year.

“No current team members are at risk from the conversion and all employees will be offered the opportunity to move across to Wagamama or be transferred internally to another Chiquito or the restaurant group.”

Matthew Chambers, centre manager at Festival Leisure Park said: “Chiquito has continued to deliver fantastic Mexican food in a fun, fiesta style environment to Festival’s visitors.

“It’s been great to be a part of Chiquito’s journey.

“We’re delighted to be welcoming Wagamama and fans of the restaurant to Festival Leisure Park.

“The Japanese inspired menu which is renowned for its iconic katsu curry is set to prove very popular among our visitors.”

The park bosses were also contacted for comment on the new restaurant plan.