A POPULAR Greenock town centre restaurant is set to expand with the possible creation of up to 40 jobs.

The owners of The Exchange — who recently bought the neighbouring Dockers Club in Tobago Street — want to extend the premises to include part of the social club’s car park.

A planning application has been submitted to council officials seeking approval for the development.

If it gets the green light it is understood that, between the restaurant and social club, up to 40 jobs could be created.

It’s understood that the extension bid has been launched due to the success of the restaurant and a need for more space to meet demand.

The Tele recently revealed how REOS Ltd — who own The Exchange — had snapped up the Dockers club for an estimated £200,000.

The firm is owned by businessmen Billy Bateman and Thomas McKendry, who have plans to renovate the ground floor of the club while retaining its function suite upstairs.

The cash-strapped social club will close down on December 31, after 36 years, with committee officials citing lack of money and members for its demise.

Planners are currently considering the bid for the extension of The Exchange.

No-one from the restaurant was willing to comment until the outcome of the application is known.