Work has begun to transform a dilapidated former bank in Sutton into new commercial units and apartments. The town's Yorkshire Bank on Low Street closed in 2019 and the building has been empty ever since.
But after being awarded part of a government fund to make improvements to high streets, Ashfield District Council now hopes that restoration works on the former bank will be complete by next spring. Two new commercial units will be built on the ground floor, whilst two new apartments will be located on the first floor.
Cllr Matthew Relf, the executive lead member for regeneration and corporate transformation at Ashfield District Council, said: "This project on Low Street is just one of the dozens coming to Sutton that will transform the town centre. Residents may have already seen clearance works starting at Fox Street which will be become a vibrant pop-up food area and car park linking Asda and Portland Square.
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"We released the initial plans for Portland Square's redevelopment a few months ago and the final plans are now being drawn up. Ashfield District Council worked hard to secure this funding so we are working even harder to ensure we make the most of this once in a lifetime opportunity for our residents."
Announcing the closure of its Sutton branch in 2019, Yorkshire Bank said that it did not take the decision "lightly". Fergus Murphy, then the group retail director at The Clydesdale and Yorkshire Banking Group, said at the time: "A number of factors are taken into consideration when reviewing our network, including branch usage, footfall and customer behaviour.
"Each branch is also assessed on an individual basis, carefully considering the impact on the local area, as well as alternative options. As customers change the way they want to bank with us, we need to find the right balance for our network." Ashfield District Council says that the building will meet modern energy efficiency standards when work is complete. The council also says that it will contribute to the council's net-zero goal and will ensure lower bills for tenants.
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