An Italian restaurant in Wolverhampton city centre that collapsed after just three months in business will reopen in October, it was revealed today.

Landlords of Soprano’s, in Princess Street, have confirmed that paperwork for the lease is currently being finalised, and the new outlet will sell Italian-American food. The previous tenant Reza Farnan spent £650,000 on the venue over a period of six years, but never managed to fulfil his dream of fully opening it.

The restaurant closed in May, leading to the loss of 15 jobs. The building’s owner, City Village Ltd, has now finished off the renovation and furnished the downstairs restaurant as well as an upstairs lounge.

Managing director Kenneth Wilson said: “We’re working on an opening date very early in October. I know these people are right for Soprano’s and for Wolverhampton, and it’s all very exciting.

“Soprano’s is in a great location. Almost everyone who comes into the city centre at night time walks past it, and its front door has great street presence – you can’t miss it.

“We expect it to be buzzing from day one.”

Andrew Groves, from letting agents Towler Shaw Roberts, said: “A steady stream of potential occupiers has viewed the restaurant and takeaway in the last six weeks. There has been a lot of interest from prospective restaurateurs since the letting board went up on Soprano’s.”

The new outlet will include a 42-seater restaurant, lounge space as well as a takeaway. The landmark building on the corner of Princess Street and Berry Street, was built by wool merchant Thomas Howell in 1889. The date is still displayed up on the building’s tower, which now has a flagpole.

The new tenants are recruiting for staff. Experienced chefs, especially those with management experience, as well as other restaurant and takeaway staff can send a CV to spsrecruitment@hotmail.co.uk.