An eye-catching bid has been launched to transform a run-down former Currys store into a branch of a popular bar chain.

Plans to convert the vacant city centre site in Longmarket into Canterbury’s first Slug & Lettuce have been unveiled this week by firm LaFarge UK Pension Trustees.

The company is hoping to divide the 1,300 sq m eyesore into two units comprising a pub - which will be run by the nationwide bar chain - and a restaurant.

Should the scheme be given the green light by the city council, it will be open until 2am on Fridays and Saturdays.

Documents submitted by LaFarge say: “The proposals seek to alter the existing commercial unit to convert it from a retail unit to a restaurant and bar.

“The proposals include alterations to the existing shop front and signage to that of the proposed operator.

“The works will result in minimal change to the existing building.

“The shopfront is intended to be painted white, with gold lettering reflecting the brand colours.”

Outdoor seating areas, where customers will be served food until 9pm, will be installed along Burgate and Longmarket. The chain is hoping to remain open until 11pm during the week and 10pm on Sundays.

The rear of the building will have a second set of doors fronting onto Iron Bar Lane.

The prominent site has fallen into disrepair in the four years since Currys moved to an out-of-city retail park off Sturry Road.

Two bids to convert the sizeable store into an eatery were later withdrawn by developers in 2017 and 2018.

Previous landlord DSG Retail had been leasing the store to Computers 4 Africa. But the charity rarely used the premises - giving the impression the unit was empty.

This sparked criticism in 2018 from city council chiefs, who accused the landlord of exploiting a “legal loophole” as it saved more than £260,000 by renting the site to a charity.

DSG spokesman Amy Shields denied the claims and urged the council to allow the site to become a restaurant.

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