More than one-third of vacant high street bank premises are to be converted to restaurants, cafes and takeaways, according to Radius Data Exchange.
Figures show that 38% of all high street banks that have vacated over the past five years have seen plans lodged for change of use away from A2 to A3 and A4 premises. This is despite the gradual slowdown of food and beverage take-up since 2016.
But it’s not just restaurants taking advantage. Many central former banks are prime locations for homes and shops, with 29% of applications being lodged for C3 or A1 use. Some 11% of applicants are looking to build mixed-use schemes on former bank premises.
