AS work continues to refurbish a vacant building in a prime spot on Stroud High Street, rumour was abound that a leading cafe chain would be moving in, but that is not the case.

Starbucks had previously been one of the contenders to take over a spot at the King Street Entrance to Merrywalks but withdrew their plans in November.

While Andrew Watton Property Consultants are refurbishing the prime spot on the corner of Kendrick Street opposite Greggs rumour began that the cafe chain could return, facing off directly opposite industry rivals Costa and adding a 15th coffee shop to the town centre.

However the property consultant quashed these rumours, stating that it would be a 'proper shop' which was due to take over the site, who would be moving in within the next four weeks.

Their move-in will immediately follow the removal of the site's scaffolding which is in place to refurbish the flats above.

Fat Toni's Pizzeria had previously contested for the larger location on the High Street.

Owners Darren and Jason Orsi and their dad Remo had their planning permission approved in February to expand the popular eatery, but these plans appear to have fallen through.

The key High Street building has lain empty for three years and has been used for a number of pop-up art installations and exhibitions.