A former town center bank in Warrington is getting a new lease on life with an approved plan to transform part of the former Barclays building. The building, located on the corner of Cairo Street and Sankey Street, has been vacant for ten years. The revitalization project will focus on the back section of the building next to Cairo Street Chapel, where nine apartments will be created on the upper floors that were previously used as bank offices.
Originally submitted in 2023, the plan was resubmitted last month with an increase in the number of flats from six to nine, and it has now been given the green light by council planners. The ground floor unit is expected to accommodate a retail space, possibly for a food or drink establishment.
The documents submitted to Warrington Borough Council highlight the positive impact the redevelopment will have on the area. They mention that the property has been vacant since the closure of Barclays Bank and emphasize the importance of bringing new life to the building. The development is seen as a way to enhance the area, increase activity, and contribute to the attractiveness and vitality of the town center.
In addition to the immediate plans for the nine apartments and retail unit, there is a longer-term goal to restore the second floor of the building. This aspect of the project will be addressed in a future planning application. The overall aim of the proposal is to breathe new life into a vacant and deteriorating building that holds a prominent position next to the Cairo Street Chapel Unitarian Church.
The initial stage of the project envisions the ground floor being used as a retail shop, with the potential for a food or drink establishment. The developers hope that this revitalization effort will not only improve the appearance of the property but also create employment opportunities, attract more foot traffic, and contribute positively to the overall vibrancy of the town center.
For more detailed information on the revitalization plan, interested parties can visit the council’s website and search for application number 2023/00181/FUL. This project represents a step towards rejuvenating a key building in Warrington and breathing new life into the town center.
