Plans to turn former Kent HSBC branch into cosmetic shop and café

New plans have been submitted to Medway Council to revive a former bank branch which has been vacant for two years. In March 2022, it was announced that HSBC would be closing 69 branches across the nation, including its locations in Strood, Herne Bay and Sidcup.

Jackie Uhi, head of HSBC UK’s branch network, said at the time: “The way people bank is changing – something the pandemic has accelerated. Our branches continue to support people with their more complex banking needs, but the way we can do this has also evolved, with the addition of banking hubs, community pop ups and continued use of the Post Office network.

“Rather than a one-size-fits-all branch approach, it’s an approach built around the way different customers are choosing to bank in different areas.” The Strood branch has remained empty since the closure, but now proposals seek to turn 104-106 High Street into a new cosmetic shop and a café.

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The property sits between Gorj Beauty Saloon and the town's former Wilko branch, which closed at the end of 2023 when the high street chain collapsed into administration. It was confirmed in September this year that Poundstretcher would be taking over the empty Wilko unit, with the discount retailer expected to open before the end of 2024.

Planning documents detail that the ground floor of the old HSBC building would be divided to accommodate the new shop and café areas, joined by an associated office. New entrance and exit doors would also be introduced to the front and back of the building to create access for the units.

The plans go on to propose converting the building's first floor into halls and meeting rooms for use by the local community. Floorplans illustrate a large multi-use hall space towards the front of the property would make up the majority of this level, accompanied by a smaller private room, an office, a kitchen, toilets and a storage area.

Approval has already been granted to convert 102 High Street, which also makes up part of the former HSBC branch, into a new café. These plans fall under the same use class as the new proposals for 104-106 High Street.

The latest application, for the new cosmetic shop and café, is awaiting a decision from Medway Council. The plans can be viewed in full on the council’s planning portal using the reference MC/24/2383.