ALMOST 100 jobs could be up for grabs if plans are approved for two new restaurants in the town.

Proposals have been submitted to open a second branch of Nando’s in Swindon at the Orbital Retail Park, as well as another KFC near Westlea.

And it is hoped the popular Portuguese restaurant chain, Nando's, famed for its flame-grilled Peri-Peri chicken, will help regenerate the shopping destination  in Abbey Meads and bring more visitors.

It would take over what is currently Pizza Hut and be completely transformed and comprise of a ground floor and lower ground floor, with outside seating.

A retail unit for phone company EE would occupy a separate space behind the restaurant.

There could also be 20 jobs on offer, as currently Pizza Hut employs 30 people and the new restaurant needs 50 members of staff.

The plans are part of a scheme by Orbital Shopping Park Swindon Ltd to give the shopping park, which opened in 2002, ‘more of an identity’ and a better ‘quality of retail experience for shoppers,’ as well as attract people there in the evenings, according to the planning application.

Architects behind the design have been inspired by ‘angles’ with plans for the roof being the main focal point.

The application adds that it will be “an iconic landmark building with high quality design that is a catalyst for day and night activity, setting standards for future development.”

Swindon got its first Nando’s more than a year ago when a restaurant opened at the Regent Circus development, but the application states it does not believe it would take away trade from the town centre.

Meanwhile, plans have also been submitted by Demipower Ltd to build a new KFC restaurant and drive-through at Delta Business Park, Welton Road, open from 9am to midnight every day. It would also include 47 parking space.

The application reads: “The proposals will have a positive impact on the local economy through facilitating beneficial and meaningful employment.

“The proposed KFC will provide approximately 50 new permanent jobs, of which it is expected that approximately 30 will be full-time and 20 part-time, all of which are likely to be taken up by people who live locally.

“The construction phase of the project will also support local construction employment and specialist trades prior to this.”

It adds: “The primary role and purpose of the proposed unit is to complement the operation of the surrounding uses, primarily Delta Business Park; serving people who work at or are visiting the business park.

"A secondary purpose is to serve pass-by trade along Great Western Way.”