Former bank to be turned into flats

A building formerly home to Failsworth’s last bank is to be converted into seven apartments. Obinna Mezu from MZU Properties Ltd plans to transform the block at 794 Oldham Road into one-bedroom homes.

Designs submitted by Had & Co on behalf of the London developer show the how the ground floor will look once it is turned into three and the upper floor into four new flats.

The former shop windows will be ‘re-purposed’ to suit the layout of the apartments, which will feature a bedroom, bathroom and narrow open-plan kitchen/living/dining area. 

Two new windows will also be installed in the eastern wall to ensure all dwellings get enough natural light. 

Mr Mezu submitted a ‘Change of Use’ application at the end of October last year, with officers granting ‘prior approval’ on Monday, January 12. It means the development can proceed without additional planning permission required. 

Planning officer Abiola Labisi said: “ The development is in a sustainable area with excellent access to public transport, as well as good opportunities for walking and cycling. The site is also well served by local facilities and amenities.” 

As the building has been vacant for more than three months, is deemed unlikely to cause extra traffic and congestion issues, and would meet nationally described space standards, the officers had no reason to oppose prior approval. The change will see the building transitioned out of commercial use. 

The Natwest branch closed its doors in October 2024, leaving Failsworth without a single local bank. The nearest services by public transport are now in Oldham town centre or Manchester city centre; or Ashton-under-Lyne by car. 

NatWest Group, which consists of NatWest, Royal Bank of Scotland and Ulster Bank, has closed more than a thousand (1,431) branches since 2015, according to analysis from Which? Experts. At the time of the Failsworth closure, a spokesperson claimed the slashing of branches was due  to rising numbers of NatWest customers using online banking services.

The building, which has been stripped of its signage and former ATMs, was listed for £320k on Cushman & Wakefield estate agents last year.