The new Taco Bell Mexican-style restaurant in Ipswich is expected to be open by the summer, it has been announced. 

Renovation work on the new restaurant located at the Retail Anglia Parkway South has started. 

Ipswich Star: The site of the new Taco Bell. Picture: Paul GeaterThe site of the new Taco Bell. Picture: Paul Geater (Image: Paul Geater)

Ipswich Borough Assets and Taco Bell have confirmed that the restaurant, which is anticipating to employ 40 people, will be open this summer. 

The site of the former Carphone Warehouse has been sat empty since December 2021, with plans for Taco Bell to move in given the green light last August. 

There will be an extension to serve drive-thru customers and will require the removal of existing trees, but Ipswich Borough Assets and Taco Bell have committed to planting two trees for every one removed.

Colin Kreidewolf, chair of Ipswich Borough Assets, said: "New restaurants bring new customers, and I’m happy that Anglia Retail Park is able to offer such variety to its visitors.

Ipswich Star: Colin Kreidewolf, chair, Ipswich Borough Assets. Picture: Sarah Lucy BrownColin Kreidewolf, chair, Ipswich Borough Assets. Picture: Sarah Lucy Brown (Image: Sarah Lucy Brown)

"The employment of 40 members of staff is a boost to the economic growth of the area and with Taco Bell occupying a previously empty lot, this can only be good news for Ipswich.”