A FAST food restaurant that was destroyed in a £400,000 arson attack is being rebuilt at Tower Park in Poole.

A fierce fire started by a disgruntled employee gutted the Burger King restaurant in October 2003 and led to the loss of 40 jobs.

But now Burger King has announced it intends to reopen a new 124-seat restaurant at Tower Park this April, and it is to recruit 50 staff.

The restaurant will be part of a major £5m redevelopment at the leisure and entertainment centre, which is to include a new-look plaza and restaurant area.

"We are pleased to announce the re-launch and are looking for new team members who will be fully trained, ready for the opening in April. We also very much look forward to welcoming all past and new customers," said Stephen Dawson, Tower Park Burger King franchisee.

The new restaurant will cover 4,000sq ft and include a drive-thru service.

Burger King is currently looking for new staff to work at the restaurant.

Former Burger King employee Aaron James, 20, of Green Road, Bournemouth, was jailed for seven years last November after being convicted of starting the blaze. Bournemouth Crown Court heard how he had risked the lives of his work colleagues by his actions, which were a combination of anger with his boss and a fascination with fire.

The Tower Park complex is being given a new look with redevelopment work lasting until the summer. A new plaza of restaurants and an open area with seating between Splashdown and the UCI cinema are being created.

First published: January 27