CARLISLE could soon be getting a new fast food retailer after the lease on an iconic city centre building comes up for grabs.

The building - on Scotch Street - is currently let to electrical retailer BrightHouse, where customers can pay weekly amounts for their goods.

But the BrightHouse lease ends next year and property agents Carigiet Cowen have been instructed to market the listed building.

Ben Blain, associate director and retail surveyor, of Carigiet Cowen, said: “BrightHouse is available on an All Enquiries basis.

“This opportunity lends itself towards a new rental opportunity from when BrightHouse’s lease ends next year, potentially sooner subject to possession or a sale of the freehold of the building.

“To date, we have already had a major fast food retailer inspect and have a couple of other national retailers showing early signs of interest.

“It’s an exciting listing as it lies in a really prominent and high footfall position next to McDonalds and opposite The Lanes entrance by O2.

“I am really excited to see who we can bring to the city.

“It is in a prime trading position.”

It is not yet known if Brighthouse, which is housed in a three-storey building, will look for an alternative retail unit in the city or whether it will close.

Mr Blain added: “BrightHouse have requested ‘Due to Relocation’ is put on the advertising board outside the shop but we aren’t aware of their movements.

Their lease expires in September 2020.”

Burger King is the only fast food chain not to have an outlet in the city at present.

KFC, which had left the city, opened its new restaurant on a former petrol station at Harraby Green, London Road, on Friday.

And McDonalds currently has plans to open its third outlet in the city with a drive-through on London Road.

It already has branches in the city centre, on Scotch Street, and at Kingstown.

Last year, Ben brought worldwide beer chain Brewdog to Botchergate and also acts for one of the nation’s favourite food retailers, Greggs.

In Wetheral, he is also currently marketing Wetheral Stores, post office and The Posting Pot cafe.

The building is on the market for £475,000.

Owners John and Diane Shaw want to retire so they can spend more time together and go travelling.