A NEWPORT building left empty for years will finally open its doors to the public as an Indian restaurant today.

Vanilla Spice opens after years of uncertainty surrounding the former Old Rising Sun pub.

The building, situated on the Harlequin roundabout in Shaftesbury, has been derelict since it was destroyed by a fire in 2007.

In 2010, a £172,800 National Assembly grant and private funding from landlord Mafiz Ali was allocated to make sure the building was able to get a £500,000 makeover to transform it into an Indian restaurant. The move was originally put in place for it to be ready in time for the Ryder Cup which was held in Celtic Manor in October 2010.

Nazim Ahmed, 24, who is one of the managers at the restaurant, spoke of his relief at the opening.

He said: “It has taken a few years to get it up and running, and it has cost quite a bit. But it is good to finally be open.”

On Monday, the official opening welcomed Newport’s mayor Councillor Cliff Suller, other members of the council, members of Newport Unlimited and other officials.