A FORMER town centre bank is set for a new life.

Plans have been approved to turn part of the former Barclays building into nine apartments with a retail unit on the town floor.

The building, on the corner of Cairo Street and Sankey Street, has stood empty for a decade.

The scheme is to regenerate the back section of the building, next to Cairo Street Chapel, with nine flats created on the upper floors previously used for the bank offices.

It was originally submitted in 2023 but resubmitted last month with nine rather than six flats and has now been approved by council planners.

Documents submitted to Warrington Borough Council say the ground floor unit could be suitable for a food or drink use.

They add: "The property has been vacant for a number of years following the closure of this Barclays Bank.

"It is directly opposite The Hive which is bringing vibrancy to the area of Warrington Town Centre.

"This development will further enhance the area and increase activity within the vicinity.

"The proposal will enliven the frontages of the property, generate significant employment opportunities, add to pedestrian flows and positively contribute to the attractiveness and vitality of the town centre."

A longer term aim is also to restore the second floor of the building although this would be dealt with in a new planning application.

The application continues: "The proposal is to regenerate a vacant and deteriorating building that occupies a prominent location adjacent to the Cairo Street Chapel Unitarian Church.

"At this initial stage, it is anticipated that the ground floor of the building would be occupied as a retail shop with scope for a food or drink outlet."

You can see the application in more detail on the council's website by searching 2023/00181/FUL.