A DEVELOPMENT that is set to transform the site of a former bank in Lymm, aiming to restore its ‘history’, has reached the halfway mark.

The building, 4-6 Eagle Brow, has been disused since 2015, when the Barclays branch closed and was listed for sale in 2022 for £650,000.

Plans were submitted to Warrington Borough Council by Randle White Ltd last year that aimed to completely transform the property.

The application was approved, and construction work began on the building around eight weeks ago led by project manager Mark Rowbotham, from APL.

Inside the former bank, three retail units will be situated on the ground floor and one open plan unit will be on the first floor.

Currently, the building is covered by scaffolding while construction work continues, but it is hoped that the first floor’s exterior will be completed and painted in the next two to three weeks.

When the planning application was originally submitted, developers highlighted the need to change the appearance of the building.

“The appearance of the existing building within the heart of Lymm village is not consisted with the character of either the properties in the immediate vicinity or those within the wider Lymm village conservation area,” the documents stated.

Warrington Guardian: An impression of how the building could look once work is completeAn impression of how the building could look once work is complete (Image: Randle White Ltd)

Now, a huge effort has been made by the developers to ensure that this goal is achieved, with the building being painted to match that of the neighbouring properties.

“We’re trying to bring back a lot of the buildings history really,” said Roger White, co-owner of Roger White Ltd.

“The building was an eyesore, and we want to make it in keeping with the village.”

The building sits in the heart of Lymm, and extensive efforts have been made by the construction team to ensure that traffic can flow easily around the site, which sits on the corner of a junction.

The project is expecting to take a total of 16 weeks to complete, before it is handed over to marketing company, Morgan Williams, to rent the units.

“We’re excited to see this prominent former bank transformed into quality retail and commercial units,” said Rob Bates, from Morgan Williams.

“Morgan Williams is looking forward to marketing this opportunity in the heart of Lymm village.”

Interest has already been shown from dance studios, yoga studios and hair and nail salons to rent the units inside, turning the vacant property into a retail and leisure hub.

The anticipated opening times for the shops will be from 8.30am to 6pm from Monday to Saturday, and 10am until 4pm on Sunday.