Plans for Handmade Burger Co in Telford remain unclear after takeover deal

Earlier this month the Handmade Burger Co plunged into administration, casting doubt over the future of the plans for a branch of the Birmingham-headquartered chain in Telford.

Now the company has been bought out of administration by an unnamed buyer, leaving talks over the possible plans ongoing.

Joint administrator Julien Irving of Leonard Curtis Business Rescue & Recovery said: “Since our appointment on July 6 we have worked hard to secure the most favourable outcome for all creditors.”

“Despite being unable to propose a CVA, we have since managed to secure a buyer for the business and are delighted that this positive outcome has been achieved.”

The sale has been completed, safeguarding 530 jobs at the 20 remaining outlets of the chain, including three in Birmingham.

It remains unclear what the plans will mean for the burger restaurant the chain had been planning to open in the new Southern Quarter in Telford Shopping Centre.

Glynn Morrow, centre manager at Telford Shopping Centre, said: "We are still working with administrators on the long term plans for the proposed branch in Telford, but we currently have no further update."

Nine of the chain's 29 stores were closed when the administrators were appointed, with the remainder kept open while the administrators sought a buyer for the business or a restructure of its debts.

The chain was one of a number which had been earmarked for the new Southern Quarter, which the first part of the extensive redevelopment proposals for the centre, which will add up to 800,000 sq ft more retail and leisure space.

TGI Friday's and Prezzo are among the restaurants to have already opened on the site.

The second phase of the regeneration is the Northern Quarter, which will comprise up to seven new stores totalling 70,000 sq ft, on the site of the former Asda supermarket.