A building near Friargate which has stood empty for almost a decade is set for a new lease of life as a healthy eating outlet.

A long-neglected historic building in Preston city centre is set for a healthier future, with a new food outlet preparing to open after almost a decade of vacancy.

Signs for Fuel Kitchen have recently appeared at premises on Walker Street, close to its junction with Friargate, in the city’s university quarter.

Work is currently under way to fit out the unit, which has stood vacant for nearly 10 years and last operated as a gents barbers.

The premises adjoin a larger building which curves around the corner onto Friargate and has itself been vacant for more than eight years and previously traded as a coffee shop, called simply, ‘The Coffee Shop’.

Scaffolding has covered both buildings for around a year and remains in place. The arrival of the new business therefore marks a welcome sign of activity at the long-neglected site.

Fuel Kitchen appears to specialise in healthy, nutritious meals, with the slogan ‘Proper food. Better fuel’ displayed prominently across its windows.

Colourful images of freshly prepared dishes advertise a menu centred on bowls, salads, grills and grains, while further slogans include ‘Eat well. Go further’ and ‘Fuel your day’.

The windows also carry large ‘Opening Soon’ signs, although no date has yet been announced.

The new outlet is situated close to the University of Lancashire campus, in an area popular with students and city centre workers.

Friargate itself has become increasingly dominated by a diverse range of restaurants, cafés and takeaways, catering to the area's large student population and offering food from around the world.

Fuel Kitchen looks set to add a healthier eating option to the mix, although it is not yet clear whether it will offer takeaway meals, sit-down dining or a combination of the two.