New business could take over former bank premises after almost a year unoccupied

A BANK in Somerset which closed last year could be set to receive a refit to make way for a new business.

3 Market Place, in Wells, was formerly home to the local branch of HSBC before it closed in June 2023, among a total three in Somerset, including Minehead and Frome.

Ahead of the closure, an HSBC spokesperson said: "After careful evaluation, we have made the difficult decision to close this branch on Tuesday, June 20, 2023."

However, plans have now been submitted to Somerset Council to refurbish the interior of the building before it goes on the market as a retail unit to a new business.

The news comes as HSBC surrendered their lease and vacated the property since closing last year.

Read more: HSBC branches in Minehead, Frome and Wells to close

The landlord seeks permission to remove the former bank's partitions, cash deck and hoist from inside the listed building.

According to the planning applications, these 'minor alterations' would only be made to the ground floor of the premises.

The first floor, which contains a staff room, tea room, and female WC, would remain unchanged, along with the second floor which features a male WC, cleaners' closet, and storage area.

For more details on the plans, search reference number 2024/0730/LBC on Somerset Council's online planning portal.