A HIGH street bank branch which has been vacant for more than six years could be given a new lease of life. 

National coffee chain Coffee #1 has kick-started plans to move into the former NatWest bank in Poole Road, Westbourne. 

It has lodged a planning application to BCP Council asking to complete minor alterations to the exterior and convert the inside of the building into a coffee shop. 

NatWest closed its Westbourne branch in October 2017 and the empty building has had problems with squatters in the past. 

Bournemouth Echo:

Coffee #1 said in a planning statement its proposals will “create interest and activity” through the re-use of the building.

It adds: “Furthermore, the proposed development represents a considerable investment […] that will create new employment opportunities and numerous, wider benefits to Westbourne.” 

A letting agent has been advertising the 3,346 sq ft space since it closed six years ago and says rent could be around £55,000 per year.

Coffee #1 currently has cafes in Wimborne Road, Winton, Commercial Road, Parkstone, Southbourne Grove, and High Street in Poole. 

A decision has not yet been made on the proposal. 

Meanwhile, NatWest’s other closed bank in Wimborne Road, Winton, continues to be considered for change of use to a coffee shop. 

The former bank, which also closed in 2017, may become an independent coffee shop and would open up next door to another coffee shop Wistman’s Café, which is just over the road to Otto House’s coffee shop.