A FORMER town centre bank could be converted into apartments if plans are given the go-ahead.

An application to create seven apartments on the top two floors of the empty HSBC building on Lowther Street in Whitehaven has been lodged with Cumberland Council.  

The plans have been put forward by Kendal-based estate agents, Peil & Co.

Access to the new residential apartments on the first and second floors would be via the former bank's main entrance.

Whitehaven’s HSBC was one of 69 branches to close across the country last year, as the banking giant moved towards a more digital way of operating.

Graham Roberts, who represents the Harras ward on Whitehaven Town Council, said he welcomed the plans for apartments.

He said: “Anything that is going to get buildings used has got to be good. I think it’s got to be good to get footfall into the town centre.”

Cllr Roberts said he believes it is likely that more empty buildings in the town centre will eventually be transformed into apartments.

He said: “I think the shopping is on the internet now. It’s choice. You get all the choice and it’s delivered to your home. People like that.”

Gerard Richardson MBE, who owns Richardsons of Whitehaven, a wine and coffee merchants on Lowther Street, said: “At this point in time, I think it’s probably for the best.

“Town centres need more occupants, both residents and office staff to survive and that end of the street was always going to be difficult to fill with commercial tenants given that there’s little interest in King Street these days.

“With luck, they will be occupied by people who are interested in the place they live and who will support their neighbours in the town centre.”