But the board of trustees which runs the business – which inspires and trains young people to become chefs – has warned that "significant funds" still need to be raised to complete the £1m project.

Despite concerns over funding, the trustees have agreed to back a business plan to open in the city.

The proposed site of the restaurant, which aims to transform the lives of disadvantaged youngsters with on-the-job chef apprenticeships, is the Dark Arches at Granary Wharf in the centre of Leeds.

The new Fifteen – which would be the fifth internationally – will open in about 18 months time if financial backing is received.

Mike Trace, chairman of the board of trustees for the Fifteen Foundation, said there was still "a long way to go" before Fifteen Leeds could become a reality despite "fantastic" support from Leeds City Council, Yorkshire Forward and the private sector.

Firms from across Leeds and Yorkshire were urged to pledge a minimum of £25,000 to get the scheme off the ground.

Mr Trace said: "We have a great site, great support locally and we think Leeds is perfect for the fifth Fifteen restaurant.

"There are a lot of young people in Yorkshire who need a second chance and we hope to be able to give them that opportunity as well as bring some superb food to a city that already has a dynamic restaurant scene."

Jamie Oliver, pictured, added: "It's always exciting when a new Fifteen is discussed. I just hope we continue to get the support from local partners to be able to create a brilliant restaurant in Yorkshire which will attract customers from all over the world and help local young people at the same time."

Profits from the restaurants are fed back into the charity foundations which support the training of a new cohort of young people every year. Over 120 young people across the world have already graduated.