Major bank set to open new Leeds city centre branch in boost for city

A new bank looks set to open in Leeds city centre as a finance firm seeks to buck a national trend of branch closures.

Metro Bank sought permission from Leeds City Council for alterations to a shop unit at 2 Commercial Street.

Plans were approved for illuminated signage and advertising, along with a new ATM machine.

A planning statement said: “At a time when many banks are closing, Metro Bank are committed to opening new stores to ensure a multi-channel offering, including having bricks and mortar destinations for customers to visit.”

The report said the building near the Grade II-listed Pack Horse pub was most recently occupied by jewellery and watch seller Ernest Jones.

It said: “The proposed occupation finally secures a viable use for the premises, creating local jobs and delivering real and tangible benefits to the local economy.

“Investment into Leeds will provide accessible banking services to a wider catchment, as well as result in the occupation of a prominent vacant commercial unit within the city centre.”

A full planning application for a new shop front and ATM machine was approved by the council in June this year for the site, part of the City Centre Conservation Area.

Metro Bank’s report said: “The proposed works are minor in nature, with the alterations to the shop front entrance seeking to increase openness and transparency into the commercial unit as it returns back to active use.

“The proposed signage is entirely in keeping with the commercial setting of the site, and are of a scale and style that respects the shop front proportions and appearance.”

The council gave advertising consent for an internally illuminated fascia sign, non-illuminated advertisement and internally illuminated ATM signage on November 11.

A council planning officer’s report said: “The site is an existing retail unit currently vacant, previously occupied by Ernest Jones, set within one of the key retail streets in Leeds city centre.”