A TRAINING provider will open a new drop in centre in an empty city centre unit in the New Year.

Qube Learning has been granted planning permission to convert a vacant former optician’s shop on Rawson Place to a ‘kickstart training centre.’

The group specialises in vocational courses, short courses and e-learning, and the opening of the unit is part of an expansion of its trainee and apprenticeship programme in the city.

The unit is opposite Bradford Bakery, which opened last year on a pedestrianised area, and next to a passage leading to John Street.

Qube opened a similar training centre in Colchester last year.

A spokesman for the group said the centre would likely open early next year.