It is now uncertain whether Bella Italia's will move into the new St James' leisure and retail complex .

The Italian restaurant chain had announced as long as three years ago that it would move into a unit at the £53 million development.

But a statement from the company last night (Tuesday) said: “We are currently still reviewing the opportunity to open the site in Dover and a final decision is yet to be made.

That clashes with a message from the company via Twitter earlier in the day that said: "Unfortunately we have decided not to take up the opportunity in Dover on this occasion."

The Mercury has contacted the chain and is seeking further clarification.

It had been hoped that the company would open at 3,751ft restaurant at the much-anticipated complex, which began its phased opening with Cineworld on March 9.

Ironically Bella Italia was meant to be placed next the the American diner Frankie and Benny's which also pulled out.

The chain, which is New York-Italian themed, announced this in January but stressed this was a national strategy rather than any reflection on the new Dover development.

A Dover Bella Italia would have been the third in Kent, with the first one opening in Hempstead Valley Shopping Centre, Gillingham, in October 2015 and a second later in the Bluewater complex at Greenhithe.

St James' continues to do brisk business with several other companies moving in since March such as Travelodge and Costa Coffee in April and the M&S Foodhall last month.

Also there are businesses such as Nando's Poundland, The Food Warehouse and Greggs.

Next is switching to St James' in July after it closes its Bouverie Place store in Folkestone.

Bella Italia has more than 90 UK restuarants and is part of the Casual Dining Group, which also owns chains such as Café Rouge.

The first Bella Italia opened in Leeds in 2002 but had traded under predecessor brands since the 1990s.

The Mercury has contacted Bella Italia's press office to learn further details about it decision concerning Dover.