AN empty shop on Piccadilly could be converted into a cafe after it lay vacant for almost two years.

Owners Newcastle based Hanro Ltd have submitted a change of use application to convert the empty 7-9 Piccadilly, between Ladbrokes and Argos, into a cafe saying they have received numerous enquiries from cafe owners keen to take on the unit.

The shop was last occupied by a fine wine and food shop 23 months ago, and before that was an Oddbins shop.

The proposed cafe would seat 25 customers and serve mainly cold food.