A MAJOR fast food retailer could be coming to Carlisle - to take the spot of Brighthouse.

It has been confirmed that the rent-to-own retailer will not be renewing its lease on the iconic three-storey city centre building on Scotch Street.

The company nationally announced earlier this year that it was closing 30 branches amid tough conditions, but Carlisle was not among them. Customers can pay weekly amounts for their goods.

Carigiet Cowen have been instructed to market the building, and say it may not be the end of the electrical retailer in the city.

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

“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.”

While it is early days in replacing the retailer, Mr Blain said the signs are very positive about the potential replacement.

“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,” he explained.

“To date, we have already had a major fast food retailer inspect [it] 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 McDonald’s 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.”

Burger King is currently the only fast food chain not to have an outlet in the city, after its restaurant on St Nicholas Gate was closed and demolished prior to the expansion of Asda on the site several years ago.

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

Its return to Carlisle prompted long queues and brought traffic to a halt.

McDonald’s has revealed it currently has plans to open its third outlet in the city, with a drive-thru also on London Road.

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

Last year, Mr Blain 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.