The restaurateurs behind Lasan have agreed a deal to open a new venue at a historic listed building in the city's business district.

Aktar Islam and Jabbar Khan, the founders of the award-winning restaurant, have signed a lease on 130 Colmore Row, opposite Birmingham Council House, for a new venture for which a change-of-use planning application was recently submitted.

It represents more progress for the duo who have also opened Indian street food café Raja Monkey and Argentinian Fiesta Del Asado in recent years.

Mr Islam, chef director at the Lasan Group, said up to 50 full-time jobs will be created through the venture and the pair hoped to invest in "young passionate individuals" from the local community.

He said: "It's important for us to continue investing in Birmingham. Both Jabbar and I were born and bred in the city, so when we're expanding it's key for us that we are reinvesting here. The location means it's one of the largest investments we've made, so it's an exciting time for us.

"We want to add value to the city's culinary scene, which is already world class, but what we intend to do here will push it a little bit further. We're known for taking cuisines and concepts and pushing the boundaries and we've got a proven record of doing it.

"For us, it's a great statement for the brand. We're an independent group born in Birmingham and it's great for us to put our mark on the city. It could be a big part of our lasting legacy."

The deal means a new future for the Edwardian Baroque building which was recently used as a carers' centre. It comes after a landmark acquisition by a group of Chinese investors working with city developer Court Collaboration and former Wragge & Co lawyer, James Ng, in February.

A lease agreement was signed this week for the 5,500 sq ft Grade II-listed building and specific plans are still being worked up.

The building flies a Chinese flag after becoming the first Chinese-funded redevelopment in the city core.

Plans for the building have been drawn up by K4 Architects and Anthony McCourt, director at Court Collaboration, said its director Bob Ghosh was a key part of the deal with Lasan.

He said: "Deciding on the perfect tenants for this building was imperative. This is a first rate building and would serve many uses well, so to get one of Birmingham's best-known culinary teams signed up as tenants proves the strength of the market here.

"Aktar and Jabbar have been at the vanguard of Birmingham's flourishing culinary scene as its reputation continues to grow and they've shown a versatility with their past venues that could bring something new to the table here.

"130 Colmore Row gives them a substantial canvas to serve up something brilliant."

Lasan was named the best local restaurant in the UK by Gordon Ramsey's Channel 4 television show The F Word in 2010 while Mr Islam has also been a winner on the Great British Menu on BBC2.

The new venue will sit next to Pure Bar and Kitchen in a part of the city which has become increasingly popular with food and drink firms, with the likes of Fumo and The Bureau nearby.