THE prominent High Street building housing Poole’s Burger King has been put on the market.

The fast food giant’s lease runs out in December and agents have been instructed to find a new tenant.

Property consultancy Myddleton & Major is marketing the building, 134 High Street, at the junction with North Street.

Poole Town councillor Mark Howell said the change could be positive.

"It's a high quality, landmark building and it would be nice to have something more appropriate than a Burger King in it," he said.

"It's in a key location because it's essentially in a Square. It's a public space we should be trying to lift and personally I don't think fast food outlets are the right kind of thing to have in that location."

Myddelton & Major partner Simon Lee said: “This property is in an extremely prominent, prime corner trading position at the heart of the town’s core pedestrianised shopping area.

“Because is a large building with two floors of public space amounting to more than 10,000 sq ft it is available as a whole or can be sub-divided for more than one occupier.

“I am anticipating strong demand for this prestigious landmark premises in such a prominent central position. It is suitable for restaurant use and has retail potential, having previously been a furniture shop.”

The rent is being disclosed on application to Myddelton & Major with lease terms to be agreed.

Nearby businesses include Sainsbury’s, Caffe Nero, Edinburgh Woollen Mill, Rowlands Pharmacy, Superdrug, Starbucks, HSBC and Linens Direct.

As well as the two-floor space currently occupied by Burger King, the building has office and storage space on the second and third floors.

The building consists of 5,255sqft on the ground floor, 4,777sqft on the first floor, 1,373sqft of offices on the second floor and 1,458sqft of storage on the third floor.

Burger King had not responded to requests for comment at the time of going to press. It is not clear if they are choosing not to renew their lease or if the lease is not being offered to them.

The restaurant chain has branches at Tower Park and near Fleetsbridge at Waterloo Road, but no other outlets in the town centre.

Its High Street restaurant is a few doors away from a branch of its main competitor, McDonald's.