An application has been submitted to turn a former bank into a café, cosmetics shop and community space.

Medway Council has received details of proposals to breathe new life into the former HSBC unit in Strood High Street, which has been vacant since 2022.

The old bank previously occupied several units but since the branch closed one third has separated and become an Afro Caribbean food shop.

Now 104-106, directly adjacent to ASDA and formerly Wilkos, is the subject of an application which would allow a cosmetic shop and café on the ground floor, and a multi-use space on the first floor.

The upper floor is described as being primarily for use by the local community, if the changes are approved.

The application has been submitted by Jennifer Amponsah and is to be considered by Medway’s planning department for a decision.

The designs submitted show the cosmetics shop, café, and the upper floor community-use space each will have their own entrances created off the High Street.

The upstairs would also be redesigned to include bathrooms and a kitchen for some office space, as well as for the large multi-use area.

The Strood branch of HSBC closed in September 2022, after the branch in Gillingham had closed the previous year.

To see more planning applications and other public notices for your area, click here.

The branch in Chatham remains open, but across Kent many branches have been closed - however the major banking retailer has promised no more will close until after 2026.

Medway Council’s planning department will now consider the application which would change the use of the premises from banking and financial services to use as a shop and community hall or meeting place.

The target date for a decision is January 21.