PLANS have been unveiled for a new Italian to open in the former Zizzi unit in Glasgow city centre.

Viva Italia want to open an Italian restaurant at 31 Royal Exchange Square. The group are behind well-known brands Tony Macaroni, Nardini, Bar 1821 and Mozza.

They have asked Glasgow City Council for permission to make alterations within the listed building which will now go before city planners.

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The firm want to create some space for more customers by building a small mezzanine floor above the existing kitchen area.

A planning statement said: "Our client Viva Italia have now taken over what was originally Zizzi’s at 31 Royal Exchange Square to reopen as an Italian Restaurant and they would like to make an alteration to form a small section of mezzanine floor for approximately 24 covers."

The move comes after we reported in March that estate agents Savills were looking for tenants to take over the former home of the Borders book shop. Clothing retailer All Saints previously occupied a unit within the building.

It also comes after we reported that the Azzuri Group - who owned Zizzi and Ask Italian - previously said they would not reopen around 75 restaurants following the coronavirus pandemic.

They were taken over by investment firm TowerBrook Capital Partners, who planned to keep open 225 restaurants and shops, protecting 5,000 jobs.

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Zizzi have restaurants in nearby Princes Square, Silverburn and in the West End.

Viva Italia did not signal which brand would move into the site.

A decision is expected to be made on the proposal by October 18 and the last date for comments is September 17.