FOUR new national food and confectionery outlets are coming to The Mall in Blackburn, bringing the prospect of dozens of new jobs.

Global giant Burger King and Mexican restaurant El Taco Loco will open by Christmas in adjoining units in Victoria Court.

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Fast-growing national chain Mr Simms Olde Sweet Shoppe is opening a branch in Market Way on Saturday, November 26, while Krispy Kreme doughnuts will open in a 300 sq ft box cart kiosk early next year.

The news has been hailed as a vote of confidence in the town centre by politicians and business leaders.

It follows Costa Coffee, which already has a shop in The Mall, announcing that it will open a second opposite the bus station next month.

The Mr Simms outlet is recruiting seven staff for its 1,300 sq ft shop near Subway, currently being fitted out by chain founder Martin Peet.

Blackburn Job Centre boss Heather Murray said it is recruiting for more than 20 posts for Costa and Burger King and will look for a similar jobs boost from El Taco Loco and Krispy Kreme.

East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce chief executive Mike Damms said the news was evidence that ‘the life is coming back to Blackburn town centre’.

Borough Conservative leader Cllr John Slater said: “It is welcome that major businesses are investing in Blackburn.

“It is a vote of confidence in the town centre.”

Blackburn Chamber of Trade president Tony Duckworth said: “It’s good to see these businesses moving into The Mall.

“Hopefully the people using them will bring trade to surrounding small businesses.”

Mall general manager Loraine Jones said the new outlets showed the shopping complex and the town centre had a ‘real recipe for success’.

Burger King and El Taco Loco has taken 4,300 sq ft in space in units five to seven in Victoria Court including the former Country Larder store.

El Taco Loco offers ‘authentic Mexican street food’ with a selection of freshly made tacos, burritos and quesadillas.

Mr Simms, founded in 2004, offers a collection of traditional sweets, candies, toffees, noughts, truffles, fudges and chocolates served in a ‘nostalgic atmosphere’.

Its franchisee Ross Fairbairn said: “I am really excited and think Blackburn is a really good location.

“If it does well I shall look at opening other outlets in East Lancashire.”

Founder Mr Peet said: “I have been eyeing opening a branch in Blackburn for about nine months.

“We will be smack in the middle of the revitalisation of the town centre.

“We are really looking to expand in Lancashire.”

Mr Damms said: “This is great news and it shows that life is coming back to Blackburn town centre.

“The Mall has done a lot of work but with the Cathedral Quarter you can see the regeneration of the town working.”

Blackburn with Darwen regeneration boss Cllr Phil Riley said: “This is great news and it’s very encouraging that we are able to attract yet more big brand names to those that are on our high street.

“We have seen through a multi-million pound programme of regeneration in the town and I think the results of this are evident as more and more investors choose Blackburn.”

Mrs Jones said: “We are absolutely delighted to be welcoming so many new and fantastic food outlets to The Mall and shopping here is set to become a real treat for the taste buds.

“These new eateries, along with our current ones, are a real recipe for success.”

Earlier this year Ed’s Easy Diner, Waterstone’s and British Home Stores all vacated units in The Mall.

Computer games store GAME has relocated within The Mall to the unit occupied Waterstones.

Work is under way fitting out the new Turtle Bay Caribbean bar and restaurant next to the Premier Inn in the Cathedral Square opposite Cafe Northcote which open in June.

Nando’s is on track to open in the Vue Cinema complex behind the railway station in February, serving a halal menu.