Burger King restaurant given go-ahead at Walsall retail park

The fast food giant has been given permission by Walsall Council to take over the former Frankie & Benny’s on the Crown Wharf Shopping Park on Wolverhampton Street.

It will create the equivalent of 18 full time jobs and provide takeaways, including a new drive-thru lane, and an eat in service while utilising the existing 34 parking spaces earmarked for the unit.

The new Burger King another boost for the shopping park which has seen other empty units taken over by an Aldi supermarket and Ninja Warrior facility. A tenpin bowling alley will also open later this year.

Planning agents Savills said: “The proposed development is sought to accommodate a replacement restaurant facility to help serve both Crown Wharf Shopping Park following the closure of Frankie & Benny’s and the wider town centre.

“The reconfigured premises will be occupied by Burger King, a national multiple, restaurant operator.

“The proposed development will complement the established, primary retail function of Crown Wharf Shopping Park.

“It will replace the previous ‘restaurant’ facility and will help to meet the requirements of the existing customer base who visit Crown Wharf and the wider town centre.

“Furthermore, the specific format of the development generates a requirement for a site with specific characteristics. The inclusion of a ‘drive thru’ lane means that any premises must be accessible by car."

The agents added: “More traditional commercial units within the primary shopping area, the majority of which is pedestrianised, are not suitable to accommodate the proposed development.

“The proposed operation at Crown Wharf Shopping Park will meet a different consumer need and catchment and will supplement the existing range of restaurants.

“The development will facilitate the reoccupation of a vacant unit which will demonstrate both investor and operator confidence in the commercial function and strength of Walsall.

“The proposed development will generate approximately 18 full time equivalent employment positions.

“These positions would be at a range of levels of skill and seniority as well as offering full and part time opportunities.

“The low barriers to entry mean that the positions created by the development are ideally suited to assist in reducing long term unemployment levels within the local area.

“The proposed development will contribute directly towards a series of strategic policies within the development plan linked to economic regeneration and growth and job creation.”