Prezzo chief executive Jonathan Kaye, said he was confident the restaurant would prove popular.

He said: “It is especially pleasing as it will be our first restaurant in Birmingham. We are confident that our Italian restaurant will appeal to people of all ages and be a great addition to the town’s social scene”.

Both restaurants are hoping to open next year after Birmingham City Council’s planning committee gave the School Yard scheme – which has been drawn up by Bob Ghosh’s K4 Architects – full planning and listed building consent which will see the old school building restored along with the old headmaster’s house, the creation of a new square in the old playground and a new apartment block.

The Kitchen cookery school is the brainchild of the Jayne Bradley and will run courses for the public and the local community.

Mr Edginton said the vigorous support of the council was testament to the quality of the scheme on the landmark site that has been wrapped in scaffolding for almost two years because of structural problems.

“From the outset we have seen terrific support from the local community and the council for our proposal for this important site and getting the full consent so smoothly is testament to how efficient the planning process in the city can be if you engage properly and provide the right information to support the right scheme.

“This is a project that will play a key role in continuing the ongoing regeneration of one Birmingham’s favourite suburbs and the announcement of two new restaurants – one from a well known local independent and a great brand coming to the city for the first time – is great for the local economy. Combined with the cookery school, the public space the apartments, we hope this is going to create a real destination for food lovers and a great asset for Harborne.”

Mr Edginton said it was intended to get on site this year, get the listed building complete by mid-2013 and the new building complete by end of 2013.