Plans submitted to convert former Whitley Bay bank into commercial space and flats

Plans have been submitted to convert one of Whitley Bay's former banks into a shop space and flats.

North Tyneside Council's planning department has received plans to change the former Barclays Bank on Park View into a mixed retail space on the ground and first floor alongside two new flats. The application comes following Barclays' vacation of the premises on December 1, 2023.

According to Barclays, only 13 customers used the branch as their only way of banking and 88% of people who used the Park View site also used its app, online, and phone banking. Customers were also reminded that there are cash machines and post offices in the town to help with queries instead of the branch.

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The closure of Barclays last year marked the fourth bank closure in Whitley Bay, including branches of Natwest, Halifax, and HSBC. The local Lloyds is set to shut close its doors for the last time towards the end of 2024.

However, the Link network is currently looking for a location to set up a banking hub in the town, delivered by Cash Action UK. Barclays, HSBC, Natwest, Santander, TSB and Virgin Money are members of the scheme.

Whitley Bay North councillor Joe Kirwin said: "Anything that is going to create new offers and businesses in Whitley Bay needs to be welcomed. We need to examine the plans carefully, but it looks like an exciting addition to our already wonderful town."

At the time of writing, the application has not been met with a decision by North Tyneside Council planners.