PLANS have been submitted to convert a former bank office into a food and drinks venue along Leigh's main high street.

With HSBC leaving its Bradshawgate premises in 2020, the former bank was converted into the Polish Food Plus supermarket last year.

The bank's neighbouring offices, however, have remained vacant and the site has since fallen into disrepair.

Hoping to create a "new benchmark" for Leigh, a new planning application has been put forward to restore and transform the building.

READ > 'Extremely good progress' being made on £32m plans to transform Leigh

Ground and first floor plansGround and first floor plans (Image: nadar)
Submitted by nadar and Mrs J Francis, the proposals seek to convert the former office building into a new food and drinks venue at ground and first floor level.

If successful, the property would boast a new shopfront, rooflights, bi-folding doors, and a single story extension to the rear. A shipping container is proposed to be used as toilets at the rear of the property.

To suit the function of the new venue, the layout would be adapted to form an open internal space, while the proposed extension would be constructed in brick to match the building's original features.

The planners emphasise that the "overall appearance of the property will be enhanced and conform to the conservation zone", adding that the "sympathetic restoration of a vacant building will enable new life into the property and set a precedent in the area of high quality conservation".

The new venue would aim to build on the £32m investment that is set to benefit Leigh, and will capitalise on the removal of the council's Cumulative Action Zone (CIZ), which restricted new alcohol licenses in the town centre to address "high levels of alcohol-related crime".

The building has remained vacant since HSBC left its premises in 2020The building has remained vacant since HSBC left its premises in 2020 (Image: Google Maps)
The planning statement concludes: "Given the historic prevalence of the building as it is within the Leigh Town Centre Conservation Area, the restoration of the property will create a new benchmark as much of the surrounding buildings are of low historical value.

"The uplift to the building will uplift the streetscape and will create a more attractive presence along Bradshawgate.

"The proposals are to create a highly sustainable and appropriate development, creating much needed, economic growth within the area for a high quality bar.

"This will enhance community cohesion and is appropriate for the area due to its close proximity to other establishments along Bradshawgate."