A NEW pizza restaurant is coming to Basildon.

Pizza Express will open in the building left vacant by Romano’s Macaroni Grill, on the Festival Leisure Park, last June.

It will be the first Pizza Express in the district.

The nearest branches are in Southend and Brentwood.

Alex Whitelaw, a spokeswoman for the company, said she expected the restaurant to open later this month.

She said: “It is due to be up and running at the end of April, although we do not have an exact date.

“We don’t know exactly how many people will be employed at the restaurant, but we do recruit from the local area.”

Romano’s Macaroni Grill and Chili’s, which was also based at the leisure park, went into administration last summer. Both were run by parent company Hatfield Restaurants.

Bosses at the park and councillors have welcomed the news of Pizza Express’s arrival. They believe it will be a boost for trade and jobs in Basildon.

Allan Davies, ward councillor for Fryerns, said: “I’m glad a disused building is being filled. It shows our economy is growing and business must be booming.

“This is great news for people looking for work in Basildon, with such a well-known employer moving into the town.

“I’m sure it will be well used.”

Amanda Mills, market director at the park,said: “It’s a very popular brand and a bit different to what we already have here.

“It means people who haven’t been to the park previously might like to visit.”