The £16 million facelift at Hempstead Valley shopping centre is taking shape rapidly, with the news that yet another restaurant is joining the other planned new food outlets there.

The centre, which opened in 1978, is in the process of a massive refurbishment, with Nando’s, Frankie & Benny’s and Subway the first big names to sign up to the new unit where McDonald’s previously stood.

Now Dean’s Diner, a second American-style restaurant has joined the ranks. Together they form of a cluster of six new family restaurants and cafes, with the occupiers for the two remaining spaces due to be announced this spring.

They are expected to open from the end of May through to July.

Dean’s Diner already has six other franchises across the country and one is part of the Dockside Outlet Centre in Chatham Maritime. The Richoux Group, which owns the business, also has Zippers and Villagio Ristorante on the same site.

An “international fashion retailer”, believed to be the likes of H&M, Zara or Mango, will take another space.

The next stage of development will focus on the current food court, which will close this summer and be replaced with a new 20,000 sq ft store.

An “international fashion retailer”, believed to be the likes of H&M, Zara or Mango, will take the space. Bosses are remaining tight-lipped until the company has signed on the dotted line.

It is expected to be open in autumn next year.

Centre manager Mark Rumfitt said: “This investment for the future of Hempstead Valley will strengthen the centre as a destination of choice for customers, retailers and restaurant businesses.

“Our customers take a tangible sense of pride in Hempstead Valley. I would like to thank them for their patience over the last year and I am confident they will be pleased with the development.”

As well as the new shops and restaurants there will also be a new Kent Reliance Building Society branch and community hall.

The previous hall was popular with various groups, including a short mat carpet bowls club for the past 35 years.