Burger King, El Taco Loco and Roosters: 35 new jobs as food court opens at Queens Square shops

The court, which will host new chains including Burger King, El Taco Loco and Roosters Fried Chicken, has created 35 new jobs.

West Bromwich Central ward councillor Bawa Dhallu said the new food court was a positive addition to the 'thriving' town centre.

He said: "I very much welcome any new businesses so was very pleased when I heard the news.

"We are always encouraging people to come and visit West Bromwich and businesses to take up empty units.

"I think the town centre is thriving at the moment and there are also some big companies interested in moving in.

"Hopefully one day all the shopping centres will be full.

"The more people that come to West Bromwich the better - I welcome this with open arms."

The new food court officially opens today (SAT).

It is the latest positive step for the town centre, which saw a new innovative market run for the first time earlier this month.

Online sellers using eBay and Gumtree have been encouraged to take part in the 'Gum-bay Sunday' market Gum-bay Sunday which launched on October 2 and offers a 'collection point' for online traders.

Car boot sellers and established market traders can also take up spots on the High Street Market stalls and the specialist trading area between Kings and Queens Square shopping centres.

Gum-bay Sunday is planned for the first Sunday in every month with trading from 10am to 4pm.

Queens Square, which has over 50 units, has received multi-million pound investment in recent years.

The centre originally opened in 1971 and is situated as the main retail link between New Square Shopping Centre and West Bromwich high street.

Speaking about the new food court, a spokesman for Queen Square Shopping Centre said earlier this year: "Despite taking longer than expected, we're really excited to announce our food quarter plans for Queens Square.

"Our shopping centre has already improved the area in a number of ways including improved pedestrian links and a higher footfall for the area.

"These additional retailers will simply strengthen an already up-and-coming area."

Lamen Reddy, operations director for CPL Food Group has said: "We are thrilled to be opening a Burger King restaurant in West Bromwich.

"We look forward to great success at this location and to serving the community for many years to come."