A popular fast food giant has unveiled plans to launch its third restaurant in Canterbury.

KFC is expected to start serving up one of the nation’s favourite takeaways from the Wincheap Retail Park in the near future.

The revelation comes following months of speculation over who was taking over the former Carphone Warehouse store, situated near Morrissons.

Previously, KentOnline revealed the long-empty site would be filled with a takeaway following a change of use bid – but it was unknown who was behind the proposals.

But earlier month the American chain applied to Canterbury City Council to build brand new signage on the site.

Although there is no opening date yet it is hoped the new site will create 14 jobs.

Inside and outside seating is proposed, with developers claiming the majority of customers will drive in, park up and leave with their takeaway order.

Bosses behind the project said the nearby car park, with more than 500 spaces, would help absorb extra traffic.

The plans won the approval of the council in November last year and fresh papers have been submitted to the authority as the firm looks to install ventilation units.

When open, it will be the third branch in the city with plans to keep existing sites in St George’s Street and Maybrook Retail Park open for business.

Recently, KFC allayed concerns its city centre branch was set to permanently close and it suddenly shut on Sunday.

One resident described the scene of the abandoned KFC as “post-apocalyptic” with buckets of fried chicken left sprawled on the tables.

However, bosses were quick to dispel rumours - blaming the closure on a fire alarm.

“Fear not Canterbury! After a system fire alarm we followed standard procedure, evacuating our Whitefriars restaurant for a few hours yesterday afternoon whilst things were checked over to ensure the safety of our guests and team members,” began the statement.

“With all our chicks in a row, our team is back at the fryers, serving up your favourite fried chicken.”

Should the scheme come to fruition, it would be the first time a food outlet has taken on one of the units at the retail park.

The site, built in 2000, has always been occupied by retail tenants - but is looking increasingly deserted following the departure of Carphone Warehouse, Argos and Mothercare.

Argos waved goodbye to the site in March 2021 as the retail giant announced changes to the way it would operate in future.

Mothercare suffered a similar fate in early 2020 as it entered administration - one of 79 closures country-wide.

KFC has been contacted for comment over the new opening.

Plans to move KFC into a retail park have been announced - months after it was revealed the long-empty site would be filled by a takeaway.

The former Carphone Warehouse store in Wincheap Retail Park, Canterbury, is being eyed up by the American fast food giant as it looks to increase its presence in the city.

But as proposals go in to the local authority to unveil brand new signage on site, it’s not yet known when the next restaurant will open.

However, it is hoped the arrival of the KFC to Wincheap could create up to 14 roles.

Both interior and exterior seating are proposed - with developers claiming the majority of customers will drive in, park up and leave with their takeaway order.

Bosses behind the project also noted that due to the expansive car park - with more than 500 spaces - the area should be able to cope with a new eatery in the vicinity.

The plans won the approval of the council in November last year and fresh papers have been submitted to the authority as the firm looks to install ventilation units.

When open, it will be the third branch in the city with plans to keep existing sites in St George’s Street and Maybrook Retail Park open for business.

Rumours had spread over the weekend that the city centre branch was set to close after it suddenly shut its doors on Sunday.

One resident described the scene of the abandoned KFC as “post-apocalyptic” with buckets of fried chicken left sprawled on the tabletops.

However, bosses were quick to dispel rumours - blaming the closure on a fire alarm.

“Fear not Canterbury! After a system fire alarm we followed standard procedure, evacuating our Whitefriars restaurant for a few hours yesterday afternoon whilst things were checked over to ensure the safety of our guests and team members,” began the statement.

“With all our chicks in a row, our team is back at the fryers, serving up your favourite fried chicken.”

Should the scheme come to fruition, it would be the first time a food outlet has taken on one of the units at the retail park.

The site, built in 2000, has always been occupied by retail tenants - but is looking increasingly deserted following the departure of Carphone Warehouse, Argos and Mothercare.

Argos waved goodbye to the site in March 2021 as the retail giant announced changes to the way it would operate in future.

Mothercare suffered a similar fate in early 2020 as it entered administration - one of 79 closures country-wide.

KFC has been contacted for comment over the new opening.