Legal firm could move into former Oswestry bank building
A disused former bank in Oswestry could soon have a new lease of life.
Solictors GHP Legal recently purchased the vacant Co-Op Bank building which is based on The Cross in the town centre and is now proposing to move in.
Its offices are currently based on nearby Willow Street.
The proposed scheme would include refurbishment works to the interior and exterior of the two-storey building.
A planning statement by agent Gavin Porritt, of DPA Ltd, says: “GHP Legal have purchased the building to allow them to operate within the town centre.
“GHP Legal are seeking permission to carry out the necessary works to enable the business to continue to expand, flourish and assist members of the public.”
As well as the refurbishment there is a submission for new signage on the front of the building.
The Co-op Bank decided to close its Oswestry branch in 2016 because of the increase in online banking.
Since then it has been earmarked for other uses including those by restaurateur Enrico Vittone who had hoped to launch an Italian eatery in the building.
It went under the hammer with a guide price of £100,000 in Manchester in June.
At that time Paul Thompson, managing director of Pugh auction house, said: “We have seen a number of former banks coming to the room, in both our North West and Yorkshire auctions, as our banking clients review their property portfolios and requirements going forward.
“The bank properties tend to be in prominent town centre locations and, in many cases, are very impressive buildings in their own right with good opportunities for either redevelopment or change of use.”
GHP Legal, which was founded in April 1970, also has branches in Wrexham and Llangollen.
A decision is expected from Shropshire Council’s planning department by the middle of October.
