AUSTRALIAN coffeehouse chain Gloria Jean’s wants to open one of its first UK outlets in Glasgow City Centre.

The 50-seat cafe/restaurant is planned for an empty shop unit on the first floor at the St Enoch Centre.

City planners are being asked to approve change of use of the premises.

A document submitted with the planning application by agent CBRE states: “Gloria Jean’s is a global coffee shop brand which is a new entrant to the UK market.

“As part of their UK rollout, it is intended to open 13 new outlets within the UK over in 2018/2019. Glasgow St Enoch’s will be one of the first outlets to open in the UK.”

The statement continues: “We consider that Gloria Jean’s Coffee will provide an exciting new food and drink use, appropriate to the shopping area and a sustainable use for the unit moving forward.”

The application comes as Indian burrito brand Wrap Chic plan to open their first Glasgow outlet at the St Enoch Centre.