Part of the site of the former Opium Den restaurant in Oxford is to reopen by the end of January - almost four years after becoming vacant.

Chicken restaurant Nando's will open at the spot, which has been branded an eyesore since closing in March 2004.

Two other restaurants are expected to open at the development, but leaseholder Nuffield College has yet to sign agreements.

It is likely to be later next year before the building, on the corner of George Street and Worcester Street, is fully occupied.

A college spokesman said: "There are other restaurants in the pipeline but no contracts have been signed.

"We hope to have more news in the next couple of weeks."

As well as restaurants, it is understood the site will also include first-floor offices and a social club on the second floor.

The site has been vacant since Oxford City Council turned down an application by Regent Inns to create a Walkabout bar.

It led to the council introducing a special saturation policy, which says no more pubs, bars or clubs can open in the city centre.

Nando's spokesman Keri Perkins confirmed the restaurant, which specialises in spicy Portugese peri-peri chicken, will open in late January.

About 30 jobs are being created at the 2,600sq ft site, which will seat 86 diners. It is the second Nando's to open in the city, with the another outlet in Cowley Road.

Ms Perkins added: "Following the success of our restaurant in Cowley Road, we are really excited to be now opening in a city centre location."