FOODIE footfall will continue to rise at Regent Circus as Gourmet Burger Kitchen joins its Italian restaurant counterpart ASK in opening its doors to the public.

Yesterday, the Italian eatery giant brought spaghetti and tirimasu to the multi-million pound complex after a 10am opening.

And today, the ever-popular hamburger will add a new course of choice, as GBK looks to steal a march on its rivals Nando’s and Prezzo in winning the hearts, minds and stomachs of Swindon.

Morrisons has been open for more than three months, and the loose ends at the leisure attraction are being tied up at double speed, as openings begin to come thick and fast.

Prezzo, Nando’s and Cineworld will all open in the first week of February, while two restaurant units and a kiosk remain vacant for the time being.

GBK has promised to spread a little cheer in Swindon during the January chill, with an offer of discounted patties next week.

From Monday to Wednesday, between noon and 2pm, prices will be dictated by how low the temperature is.

If the thermometer drops to 2C for example, customers will pay £2 for their burger, and if it’s 0C or lower, the price will go to £1.

Katie McDermott, GBK marketing director, said: “We are delighted to be a part of the newly opened Regent Circus shopping development.

“We know it can be hard to brave the cold after Christmas but, with our opening week promotion, we are giving people a reason to wrap up warm and enjoy a burger here at GBK.”

The new restaurant has created 32 jobs and it is not the only franchise to have put a dent in the town’s unemployment figures.

Julie Marshall, manager of Swindon Jobcentre in Princes Street, said Regent Circus had given the town’s job market a real boost.

“The Regent Circus development is ongoing,” she said.

“We have recruited more than 30 members of staff for Cineworld and Nando’s, then we have Ask and Prezzo, all recruiting.

“It’s been a real boost also, with the variety of vacancies, such as for lone parents because some are in school hours and it covers a wide range of customers of all ages.”

Before yesterday's opening ASK Italian managing director Jason Thomas said: ‘We’re delighted to be opening a restaurant in Swindon, and are excited to have found a site in the heart of such a thriving community.

"We're looking forward to bringing the ASK Italian recipe of authentic dishes, warm service and fresh design to Swindon."

ASK Italian has 110 restaurants throughout the country and was named ‘Best Italian Restaurant’ in the Pizza and Pasta Association Awards last year.

ASK is still advertising vacancies on its website and any interested parties can e-mail their CVs to swindon@askitalian.co.uk