A POPULAR Chinese restaurant in Christchurch has signed a new lease with its landlords.

Dragon Palace on Barrack Rd has extended its lease with landlords DWP Housing Partnership until 2024.

Uncertainty surrounding the restaurant’s future had arisen after a planning application was approved to build flats in its place, but the landlords have said they had “no intention of developing any time soon”.

The news will allow Dragon Palace stay open past its 25th anniversary.

Read more: Dragon Palace is Trader of the Week

Kathy Lieng, who owns the restaurant with her husband Ditfor, said: “We are extremely pleased to have a new lease because we have many loyal customers who had heard rumours about us closing.

Bournemouth Echo: Kathy and Ditfor LiengKathy and Ditfor Lieng (Image: NQ)

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

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

Read more: Dragon Palace in Christchurch review

Colt Stretton from DWP Housing Partnership said: “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 locally will have driven past it.

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