A FORMER bank in Blackburn town centre has been converted into a chic coffee shop following a £250,000 renovation.

Caffee Impresso – Coffee Shop and Meeting Room, located on the corner of Museum Street and King William Street can seat up to 70 customers following the amazing transformation.

The opening has created 12 new jobs in the town and brought the old Royal Bank of Scotland branch back into use after three years.

The interior of the bank was completely stripped out but still features the traditional high ceilings many visitors may remember.

Along with plush booths and seating overlooking the museum, the coffee shop houses a VIP area which people can book in advance for small parties.

The Mayor of Blackburn with Darwen Councillor Derek Hardman and Mayoress Colette Hardman were joined by fellow councillors, local businesses and special guests at the official opening on Saturday (March 19).

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Manager at the independent coffee shop, James, said: “We are delighted to be bringing the building back to life in the heart of town.

“Work on interior began before lockdown and staff have been working hard to launch. There have been a lot of curious shoppers popping by to have a look at what we had planned.

“The branding is something that is unique to Blackburn. We are not part of a franchise but we are hoping that in the future we could replicate the look elsewhere.”

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The Mayor of Blackburn with Darwen Cllr Derek Hardman and mayoress and Mrs Colette Hardman with staff at the opening.

Along with hot drinks such as spiced tea and a range of desserts, the coffee shop is offering customers the chance to have their picture replicated in the coffee itself.

James added: “As far as we are aware it is the only company in the area that can produce images on to the coffee itself. It is just an added service alongside the selfie wall.

“You can just send us the image via your phones and we do everything else. It only takes 28 seconds.”

The former Royal Bank of Scotland bank closed in 2018 and has been remained vacant ever since. The area surrounding the building had seen further closures in the past decade.

However, there are now plans for two upmarket restaurants to open close by and the former Apollo cinema is to undergo a £9.3million makeover helping to transform location.

Caffee Impresso is open Monday to Thursday 8am to 7pm and Friday to Sunday 8am to 10pm.