Town's banking hub signs and access plan unveiled

This is what the banking hub on Market Street in Darwen could look like

Plans for the conversion of a vacant former travel agent's shop into a banking hub for a town centre have been revealed.

A long-awaited new financial centre in Darwen, Lancashire, was first confirmed in February.

Cash Access UK, a not-for-profit company, has now submitted a planning application for the signs on its front and the necessary internal improvements for the project to go ahead.

The hub will offer a counter service operated by the Post Office, where customers of all major banks can carry out regular cash transactions.

The building, which used to be a travel agent's shop, is currently vacant

The premises in the Darwen Town Centre Conservation Area will also offer a community banker service, when representatives from the banks, including NatWest, Santander, Lloyds, Halifax and Barclays, will come to the hub and help their customers with more complicated issues.

The property on Market Street was built in 1990.

'Historical character'

A Design and Access statement has been submitted by Cash Access UK Limited, along with the application to Blackburn with Darwen Council.

It said that changes proposed included replacing any existing travel agency branding with "heritage aesthetic styled signage".

“These additions are very much in keeping with the character of the area and the historical character of the building and will have very little impact on surrounding properties", it added.

It also said there would be wheelchair access throughout the building.

Lancashire's first banking hub officially opened in Barnoldswick in March and the company wants to open more hubs across the county.

Listen to the best of BBC Radio Lancashire on Sounds and follow BBC Lancashire on Facebook, X, and Instagram? You can also send story ideas to [e-mail]