Pictured: David Singh and Jon Emmerson

Nearly 50 part-time and full-time jobs have been created for local people in Ilkeston with the opening of a new KFC drive through restaurant in Rutland Street.

BSP Holdings, the Nottingham-based developers and property entrepreneurs which recently purchased the 1.2 acre site, say that the KFC restaurant is the catalyst for change at the site - which is expected to become a major gateway into the town.

Working with Nottingham property firm heb, BSP secured the deal with KFC - and say they have further plans for further development.

David Singh of BSP said: "We are looking forward to working closely with Erewash Borough Council to deliver a comprehensive scheme that will improve the vitality of Ilkeston as a whole."

The site totals around 1.2 acres and fronts on to Rutland Street and is located directly opposite the Tesco Extra store.

With heb, BSP secured a quick deal of approximately 0.4 acres with KFC for the drive through. Plans are currently being drawn up with regards to the remaining 0.8 acres and a further announcement with regards to the future of this element of the site is anticipated in the next two months, said David.

"We are delighted to have secured a swift transaction of part of this gateway site to KFC whose brand will further enhance our proposed development of the adjacent property," he said.

"KFC is due to open in November by which time we should be in a position to announce further plans with regards to the remainder of the site."

Heb and the Nottingham office of Savills have been retained in relation to the remainder of the development.

Jonathan Emmerson of heb said: "The KFC deal demonstrates the strength of this location and no doubt the proximity of both the KFC and Tesco is helping us generate significant amounts of interest in the remainder of the site.  BSP is renowned for its pragmatism, efficient decision making and ability to seek out opportunities and the Rutland Street development is and will be another great example of this."

For further information with regards to the Rutland Street development, contact Jonathan Emmerson at heb or Victor Ktori at Savills

Neil Armour-Smith, senior property acquisition manager for KFC, said: "Ilkeston has been a requirement of ours for a number of years.

"This site was identified as a strong contender and we are pleased to complete the deal and we are looking forward to opening and serving customers in the town."