By Carmelo Garcia – Local Democracy Reporter
Lloyds is planning to close its landmark bank branch in the centre of Cheltenham and move elsewhere in the spa town.
Plans have been submitted to Cheltenham Borough Council to remove the banking firm’s branding and cash points from the grade II-listed building in High Street.
Lloyds Banking Group wants to undertake the minor works to the facade of the 1900 building and return it to its original state as they decommission the site.
Lloyds has told the Local Democracy Reporting Service that the closure does not mean the branch will leave the area.
No date has been set for the move but the banking firm said they will be relocating to another premises in Cheltenham and refreshing and refurbishing the branch as they do so.
Andrew Booton, Cheltenham Civic Society chairman, said the announced closure of Lloyds Bank on Cheltenham High Street is regrettable.
And he believes it reflects the speed at which technology and changing consumer habits are reshaping our town centres.
“While it is always sad to lose a long-established banking presence, we should also see this as an opportunity to reinvigorate an important historic building and bring new life and activity into the High Street,” he said.
“The building’s magnificent Grade II listed double-height banking hall inevitably limits some forms of reuse, but it could make an exceptional hospitality or restaurant venue.
“Cheltenham already has a successful precedent in The Ivy, which itself was once a Lloyds Bank and has been transformed into one of the town’s most popular destinations.
“The key now is to ensure that any future use respects the building’s architectural quality while helping to strengthen the vitality and attractiveness of the town centre.
“This is another reminder that the High Street is changing rapidly. Rather than simply seeing these changes as a threat, we should recognise the opportunity to reshape and renew our town centre for a new era.”
Planners are expected to consider the scheme by July 15, this year.
A Lloyds spokesperson said: “Our branch is staying in Cheltenham, and we have some upcoming plans to refresh things, which we’re looking forward to sharing with the community soon.”