Five major restaurants have now formally signed up for the new-look Buttermarket Centre in the heart of Ipswich which is due to open later this year.

And more are on the way with the centre’s owners all the units will be open by the time it is relaunched with the new 12-screen Empire cinema at its heart in the autumn.

Earlier this year we revealed that Wagamama, Coast to Coast and Prezzo were all lined up to take units in the centre.

They have now confirmed they are coming and are formally applying for drinks licences from the borough council. That is not expected to be a problem.

They will be joined by up-market grill Byron Burgers and Cosy Club family restaurant. Four other units still have to be formally announced but the centre’s owners are confident deals are about to be completed.

In November Buttermarket owners Capital & Regional and Drum Property Group formally announced Empire’s arrival and revealed Pure Gym will open there.

Construction of both units is now nearing completing and fitting out work is due to start next month.

The total value of the redevelopment of the Buttermarket is £35m, which includes £9.2m paid for the centre in 2014.

Ken Ford, Executive Director, Capital & Regional said: “We are now well advanced in or plans to expand, modernise and reposition Buttermarket as a retail and leisure destination in the heart of Ipswich.

“A compelling family dining offer is integral to this, and we are very pleased with the mix of national quality brands that have committed so far, and the strength of interest in the remaining units.

“We remain on track to be 100% let by July, and would like to thank Ipswich Borough Council for their ongoing support.”

The council has approved plans to remodel the Arras Square entrance at the centre which will allow increased natural light into the mall and create new external seating.