PLANS for a new international café brand in Colchester are looking to take a step closer to completion.

Pret A Manger, which sells everything from hand-warming coffee and sweet snacks to fresh sandwiches, is set open its latest Essex branch in the Lion Walk Shopping Centre.

The eatery is set to move into the now-vacant iStore following its expansion into two units in Culver Square which were previously home to Paperchase and EE.

The arrival of Colchester’s Pret will create several new jobs for residents.

Now, plans for the signage have gone into Colchester Council.

The application is for internally illuminated fascia sign and a single internally illuminated projecting sign.

Plans show the signs will boast Pret’s typical maroon signage, with stars either side of the branding.

The plans will be decided by Colchester Council.

Guy Meakin, Pret’s UK shops and franchise director, said he was thrilled to be able to be establishing a presence in Colchester’s city centre when revealing the news last year.

He said: “We’re excited to be opening another shop in Essex with our franchise partner The Chesterford Group, as we continue growing Pret’s footprint in the county.

“Our aim is to bring Pret’s freshly made food and organic coffee to more people in towns and cities across the UK.

“We look forward to joining Colchester’s and welcoming customers.”