NINE firms have signed up for Lakeside’s £9million food court revamp.

The Gazette revealed last week US burger chain Five Guys, Nando’s, Tortilla and Rhythm Kitchen will be opening in the shopping centre this summer.

Now centre owner intu has revealed they will be joined by TV chef Gino D’Acampo’s My Pasta Bar, West Midlands-based Harper’s British Classics, sushi restaurant Wasabi, Patisserie Valerie and Thai Express, all of which have signed leases for between 10 and 15 years.

The redevelopment brings the number of restaurants to 20, with 1,100 seats between them.

Operations manager Kate Miller said: “The cutting edge design of the £9million food court investment allows us to provide a perfect backdrop for exciting brands such as these and allows intu Lakeside to ensure it offers the same freshness within its catering offer as we do in our retail mix. Two further units are currently in solicitors’ hands.”

The news comes ahead of the development of a £100million leisure area, which will see the arrival of further catering names, as well as other leisure areas, such as family entertainment and health and fitness facilities.

The shopping centre has also received planning permission for a £180million expansion creating a further 40 shops.