New lease for Christchurch restaurant Dragon Palace despite plans to redevelop site

A POPULAR Chinese restaurant in Christchurch has been given a new lease despite the site being set for demolition as part of a development of flats.

There was a huge outcry from customers when plans were unveiled to level Dragon Palace, along with neighbouring properties and businesses at 215-22 Barrack Road, to build three blocks of 38 flats.

The application, by DWP Housing Partnership, was given the green light in May by BCP Council.

Now DWP has extended the lease on Dragon Palace until 2024, saying the development would not be starting "any time soon".

Ditfor and Kathy Lieng, who run the restaurant, will celebrate its 25th anniversary next year.

Kathy said: "We are extremely pleased to have a new lease because we have many loyal customers who had heard rumours about us closing.

“We will be staying open, and want to let everyone know so that they can come for a meal or order a takeaway.

“Our landlords have been very supportive and we will continue to offer authentic Chinese cuisine.”

Colt Stretton, from DWP Housing Partnership, added: “While there has been a planning application for the wider site, we have no intention of developing any time soon.

“The Dragon Palace has been an excellent tenant over the years and the restaurant is one that everyone knows, even if they haven’t eaten there.

“It is in a prominent position on Barrack Road and most local people will have driven past it.

“It has been there for more than 20 years and Ditfor and Kathy have developed a loyal customer base.”

As reported in the A&T, neighbours of the development have urged DWP to stop its plans because of protected slow worms on the site.

DWP responded, saying the discovery would not stop construction, and it would "follow proper procedure" to relocate them.