A NEW place of worship and a coffee shop could open in the former Burger King building in Poole town centre.

The fast food giant shut its doors in the High Street earlier this year when the firm's lease came to an end.

For the last three months the prominent building which is located at 134 High Street, at the junction with North Street, has sat empty.

But now the Echo can reveal that a place of worship is planned for the first floor of the building with two retail units on the ground floor.

Cllr Mohan Iyengar, cabinet member for economy, culture and leisure at Borough of Poole, said it was currently unknown which faith denomination would be making use of the building.

Speaking to the Echo he added: "It is a welcome use for the building which will hopefully bring more people into that area of town.

"There is also an opportunity for it to be used outside of normal working hours."

National chain Coffee#1 has submitted a planning application to open a branch in part of the ground floor in the building.

The proposal also includes an outside seating area for five tables and 20 chairs to the front of the property.

According to a statement from planning consultants Boyer the area will be "partially enclosed by a series of canvas wind breaks between moveable stainless steel posts".

Currently there are two other nearby coffee chains in the High Street including Caffe Nero and Starbucks.

The news comes just weeks after Delfino Lounge opened in Falkland Square - which also has an outside area.

Poole BID manager Carlie Palmer welcomed the news that another business was opening in Poole town centre.

She said: "It just shows that people are investing in the High Street.

"Coffee#1 is another place opening which will offer an outside seating area and that will also add to the coffee and cake culture which is slowly building in Poole.

"It's a really good sign of a growing High Street and I hope more businesses follow suit."