Former HSBC bank could become apartment block

The former HSBC bank in Ashton could soon be transformed into apartments.

The branch located on the corner of Stamford Street Central and Mill Lane in the town centre closed down in August 2023. It was one of the 114 HSBC branches that closed across the country.

People changing the way they bank and footfall being ‘at an all-time low’ were the reasons given by HSBC for the mass closures at the time.

Now a plan to convert the building into five new apartments has been tabled by the applicant, Mr Ayokunle Alade. This would comprise three one-bedroom apartments and the other two having two bedrooms.

The proposal would see very minimal work done to the outside of the building, with the four parking spaces being retained. This is to minimise the impact on the conservation area the building sits within.

Planning papers read: “The proposal is of a small scale with minimal external alterations. There will be no change to the character of the building or immediate area. As such, there will be no detrimental impact to the Heritage Assets.

“Indeed it is stated that the proposal comprises the positive reuse of this building, which in turn will positively impact the conservation area by preserving this important character building in perpetuity.”

Potential future residents would also be a stone’s throw away from Ashton town centre, its shops and all the public transport infrastructure the location offers.

A decision on the plans will be made in the coming months by the planning team at Tameside Council.

How the former HSBC bank in Ashton, off Stamford Street Central, could look when converted into flats. Credit: Tameside Council