New Darwen town centre banking hub moves a step closer

In February, the property in Market Street, Darwen, was identified as a location for the long-awaited new financial centre.

Now Cash Access UK has 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, Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.

The premises in the Darwen Town Centre Conservation Area will also offer a community banker service, where customers can talk to their bank about more complicated issues on the day their bank is in the hub.

How the unit could look if plans are approved

Customers can meet staff from the following banks on the following days:

• Monday: NatWest;
• Tuesday: Santander;
• Wednesday: Lloyds;
• Thursday: Halifax;
• Friday: Barclays.

A design and access statement submitted with the application to Blackburn with Darwen Council says: "Cash Access UK Limited is a not-for-profit company set up by a number of UK banks and building societies to enable consumers and small businesses to access cash, deposit and basic banking services where they are needed.

"The company will facilitate the provision of a range of services including shared banking spaces on local high streets.

"Details of the proposal are the installation of banking hubs signage including an externally illuminated fascia with individual lettering, two illuminated heritage projecting signs and associated marketing posters and signs, the installation of two new AC condensers and one supply air louvre to the rear, and two new extract/exhaust louvres installed internally.

"The property is positioned in Market Street - the main retail thoroughfare through the centre of the Darwen town - built originally in 1990.

"Recently, the building hosted a travel agent. The unit is currently unoccupied.

"The ground floor is proposed to serve as a community banking hub.

"The interior of the building is proposed to be converted from a travel agent to a banking hub. This will include re-organising of the internal layout to meet Cash Access UK standards.

"Changes proposed include 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.

"There will be wheelchair access throughout the building."

Work is also underway for Cash Access UK to open three more hubs across Lancashire in 2024 in Bacup, Barnoldswick and Great Harwood, as high street banks continue closing branches in favour of online banking.