Bradford-based contracting, manufacturing and shopfitting company PEC is working on a project to transform the former Planet Hollywood venue in the London Trocadero into the UK’s first Forrest Gump themed restaurant.

The £1.85 million contract for Bubba Gump Shrimp Co’s European franchisee involves clearing, refurbishing and fitting out the 12,000 sq ft first-floor restaurant and 1,200 sq ft ground-floor shop at the entertainment complex in Piccadilly Circus.

PEC is working closely with project manager Paul Brown and franchisee Mubarak Al Hassawi Restaurant Development (UK), to create a UK compatible specification from the original US concept designs. Work is expected to be completed in April 2014.

Balbir Panesar, PEC chairman, said: “The hotly-anticipated European arrival of this hugely successful chain is a high-profile contract and we are proud to be working closely with the project manager and Mubarak Al Hassawi, to create a destination restaurant that will live up to its international reputation.”

Bubba Gump Shrimp Co, which was set up in 1996 and has 33 global outlets, was dreamed up by Viacom, owner of Paramount Pictures distributor of the 1994 Forrest Gump movie. It is named after the film’s characters. The American brand is now owned by restaurants group, Landry.

PEC has been shortlisted for a national industry prize in the finishing and fit-out category of the Construction News’ specialists awards. Winners will be announced in March.