THE world-famous Nardini’s is hoping to open its sister fish and chip restaurant in Irvine.

Proposals to open a Marini’s on the site of the former Blockbuster video store have been submitted to North Ayrshire Council and could bring up to 40 jobs to the town.

Marini’s - which is a sister company of Nardini’s in Largs and Tony Macaroni, submitted their plans for the Riverway Retail Park site to North Ayrshire Council on July 2.

If given the green light from planning bosses the eaterie would be a sit-in and take-away fish and chip restaurant that also specialises in pizza and ice cream.

Marini’s is already a well-known restaurant throughout Scotland with stores in areas such as Baillieston, Bearsden, East Kilbride and Hamilton and is hoping to make Irvine the home of its newest venture.

The plans would see around 35-40 full-time and part-time jobs created at the site which was formerly the Blockbuster video store.

Since Blockbuster went into administration in 2013, the location has remained vacant and the proposals will see changes to the structure of the building.

The plan is to increase the floor space and also create a new entrance along with re-arranging the footpath outside the store which will consequently mean some work to the car park area.

The increased floor space would see an extension added along with a complete change to the interior of the building to make it look modern and fresh.

If the proposals are approved, the Marini’s restaurant will be situated next to Frankie and Benny’s with the other restaurants in Riverway Retail Park being KFC, McDonald’s and Burger King.

A North Ayrshire Council spokesperson said: “An application for Planning Permission by M&G Real Estate has been received for the change of use from retail to food and drink, including external alterations and extension, and other associated works including works to the car park at 9 Riverway, Riverway Retail Park.”