Plans for PizzaExpress to open in the new extension, near to Next, have been rubber stamped by Dumfries and Galloway Council’s planning department.
The chain, which has its closest branch in Carlisle, has submitted plans for a licensed premises with internal alterations and an outside decking area.
They plan to have seating for 150 people, 130 inside and 20 inside.
Details of the number of jobs set to be created by the opening have not yet been revealed, but a spokeswoman from Gretna Gateway Outlet Village confirmed an anticipated opening of January 2017.
She said: “There are still a few conditions to go through before everything is signed.
“We are looking at such a long time before opening because there is so much work to do with knocking two units togetdher before PizzaExpress’s shop fitters can come in.”
The new restaurant will sit outwith the shopping centre’s main gates, meaning it has the opportunity to remain open after the retail premises close at 6 pm.
Speculation that the development would open the centre up for more leisure facilities, such as a cinema, has also been ruled out based on local population numbers.
Meanwhile, rumours of a branch of Little Italy opening in Annan have been quashed.
A spokesman for the popular Dumfries restaurant yesterday said “that is not true” when asked if an the business was opening an eatery in Annan.
