A former store on Friargate could become a new coffee shop.

Orbit closed down in March last year and the property has since become a furniture store.

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However it has struggled for trade and its owner, a Mr T Chaya, wants to convert it.

A statement from Entiwistle Design Services said: “The ground floor of the building is currently used as a furniture shop by a tenant who is not renewing the lease.

“The owner of the building is finding it very difficult to attract new tenants to a shop with the current use. The A3 use should attract more
tenants.

“The owner believes that a coffee shop would work well in the area as there nothing similar around. His intention is to have a seating area and counter selling hot ad cold drinks, sandwiches, juices, ice cream and cakes and possibly hot soup.

“There are empty shops on the street and the owner does not wish his to be one of them. The interior will be finished to a high standard to attract customers.”

Orbit had been trading since 1972 and was something of a Preston shopping institution.

The full plans are available to view on the city council website and comments can be left there.

Or you can email devcon@preston.gov.uk quoting reference number 06/2014/0709 by Tuesday 18 October.

What do you think of the idea? Does Friargate need a coffee shop? Let us know in the comments below