A prime retail unit that has sat empty for more than four years looks set to finally welcome a new tenant in the coming months.

Agents for the former Poundworld store in Canterbury are hopeful its lengthy stint as a retail void on the high street is nearing an end.

The large unit - which was last operational in the summer of 2018 - has become a white elephant in the city, with vandals targeting the site with graffiti.

But following a tough four years, property agents say they are now confident of getting a deal over the line.

John Mortimer, from Smith Price RPG, said: "It's had a bit of a chequered history.

"We've had two deals fall through due to Covid and it's remained empty, but it is a good site.

"I'm hopeful we'll get something over the line soon as we're hoping to exchange contracts shortly and get it sorted as soon as possible."

The identity of the likely tenant remains under wraps, and it is not known whether it will be another retail shop or if it will follow the city's trend of being converted into restaurant use.

Mr Mortimer does, however, stress the city is attracting lots of interest - and believes it will continue to head in a positive direction.

"We do a lot in Canterbury and have had various deals get over the line recently," he said.

"Franco Manca has been a success since it moved into the old Costa, and Tortilla is fitting out the former Sta Travel unit.

"The city particularly struggled with Covid because of a lack of tourists and students.

"But it's going well now. It's certainly not dying. The high street is changing and there is definitely life there."

With the news Poundworld could at last be filled, the Canterbury Business Improvement District (Bid) says the new tenant will be greeted with welcome arms.

Chief executive Lisa Carlson said: “We’re delighted to hear that the former Poundworld unit in the middle of the high street will be occupied.

"While commercial interest in the city is strong with 42 new openings over the last year, and two in the last few weeks, a few units can take longer to fill."