Fast-food chain Taco Bell is making strides to set up a strong foothold in Canterbury, as it eyes up opening a restaurant just 1.5 miles away from another planned base.

Last week, KentOnline revealed how the American firm has its sights targeted on launching a drive-thru on the site of a former sewage treatment facility off Sturry Road.

Now, it has been revealed Taco Bell is also planning to open a branch in the heart of the city.

It wants to convert the former Jigsaw clothes store in the high street into a restaurant and takeaway, offering its menu of burritos and tacos.

The vacant shop, which is surrounded by the old Debenhams site, has stood empty since September 2020.

A host of eateries expressed an interest in taking on the spot last year, including fast-food giant Wimpy.

Itsu, The Real Greek, Tortilla, Subway, Wingstop and Brewdog were among other companies to enquire about the prime unit.

Wimpy's offer of £50,000-per-year rent on a 10-year lease was rejected by the landlord, while Wingstop failed to get an offer in before Taco Bell.

The incoming tenant, which currently has two Kent branches, is set to employ 10 full-time members of staff and five part-time workers.

It is planned to be open from 11am until 11pm each day.

The immediate area around the centre of the high street and Mercery Lane and Guildhall Street is littered with empty units, with the huge vacant expanses of Debenhams and Nasons harming footfall.

While the launch of Taco Bell will spell the end of the site's retail use, letting agents say the addition of the new business will be welcome news for the high street.

Green & Partners - the firm hired by landlords to find a tenant - says securing a retailer to take on the unit has proved immensely difficult.

In a document shared on the city council's planning portal, it says: "Many of the named brands that have high street requirements are nervous about Canterbury itself due to its strong links with tourism and the effect the pandemic has had on footfall in the area.

"The high street is no longer considered a prime retailing pitch. The prime pitch has contracted around the Whitefriars development, which itself is not fully let.

"There has been very little serious occupier interest since its launch, despite the proactive marketing initiatives, enhanced market exposure, heightened efforts of the letting agents and very competitive pricing."

When originally going on the market, the unit was advertised at an annual rental price of £90,000 for prospective tenants. Over time, that dropped to £70,000.

Taco Bell now has the store under offer, and the plans to install branded signage are currently in the hands of the council.

The Mexican-inspired restaurant is significantly expanding its Kent portfolio, with the double-headed plan for Canterbury coming at the same time it prepares to open in Maidstone.

Meanwhile, the chain's drive-thru plan for Sturry Road is hoped to come to fruition by the end of this year.

It will be one of seven units making up a brand-new trade park, which is being built next to Southern Water’s sewage works.