A growing independent Co Down coffee chain has revealed plans to open a new Belfast outlet next to The Merchant Hotel.
Trait Coffee, which has three outlets in Comber and Belfast, has submitted plans to open its fourth establishment in the former premises of one of the Belfast’s longest serving sports shops.
Jackson Sports closed its store on High Street last year, after more than half a century in business.
The outlet next to The National, which was best known for its outdoor clothing and equipment, now looks set to be redeveloped into a new coffee shop.
Trait co-owner Mark McAllister has submitted a planning application for the vacant unit at Imperial Buildings, which also faces onto Skipper Street.
The independent coffee chain opened its first outlet in Comber in November 2017.
It subsequently expanded into Belfast, opening an outlet on the Lisburn Road, and in July 2023, Trait opened its latest coffee outlet at Balmoral Buildings on College Square East, opposite The Royal Belfast Academical Institution.
The Co Down business also established its own craft bakery in Comber during 2022 to supply its growing store network.
Trait’s plans for Belfast’s High Street look set to be its largest store to date.
Built in 1907, the four storey Imperial Buildings was significantly damaged during the Blitz in 1941, requiring the structure to be re-erected from the second floor up.
Previously tenants include Farrow’s Bank, the Ulster Teachers’ Union and the Daily Mail.
