The worst-kept secret in the ACT’s tourism and hospitality circles was confirmed on Tuesday as Pacific Restaurant Group announced it would close its Kingsleys Steak and Crabhouse outlet to make way for a new outlet of its premium Jamie’s Italian brand.

Following openings in Sydney and Perth, the ‘‘low-fuss, authentic Italian’’ restaurant will join Canberra’s growing roster of must-dine destinations, attracting further attention to the Canberra Centre – the new home of Spanish fashion chain Zara.

A tight-lipped spokeswoman said no decision had been made on an opening date or on whether Oliver would be on hand for the event.

The ubiquitous chef disappointed fans in Perth when he was a no show for an opening last month.

In March last year, Oliver visited his packed Sydney franchise which was opened in his absence months earlier. More than 100 jobs will be created by the venture, with a recruitment drive for wait staff, managers and chefs to be held next month.

The restaurant is to be designed by Martin Brudnizki, and its chefs will make fresh pasta daily alongside an ‘‘antipasti counter’’.

ACT Chamber of Commerce acting chief executive Greg Schmidt said the new restaurant could become the latest tourism drawcard for Canberra, adding to new bars and restaurants including Shorty’s in Garema Place, Smoque on London Circuit and the nearby Honkytonks.

‘‘We are always keen to see new local businesses opening up and while this isn’t truly a local business, it is encouraging to see it will hire local workers,’’ Mr Schmidt said.

Canberra’s tourism stocks are set to rise further as the Hotel Hotel development in New Acton is completed and a new restaurant designed by leading architect Craig Tan and artist Naomi Ota is unveiled.

Canberra restaurateur Carlo Tosolini said Oliver was welcome any time at his own popular Italian restaurant in Civic.

‘‘I embrace any quality Italian restaurants coming to Canberra because any new place gives inspiration to those who are already in the industry to keep their guard up,’’ he said.

‘‘Good restaurants listen to their customers and embrace what they want to eat and Jamie is welcome to come and have a challenge tasting here whenever he is in Canberra.’’

Jamie’s Italian is a partnership between Oliver and Italian chef Gennaro Contaldo, and marketed as a ‘‘high street eating’’ option with more than 30 outlets worldwide.

In a statement issues by his Sydney public relations agency on Tuesday, Oliver said ‘‘I can’t tell you how excited I am to be opening in Australia’s capital.’’

Canberra fans Lucy Allan and Eleanor Robson said on Tuesday they couldn’t wait. ‘‘He is so passionate about the food he cooks,’’ Ms Allan said.

‘‘I think it will be a big success here in Canberra.’’