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Colchester’s former HSBC to be turned into flats after plans approved
Midland House, in North Station Road, was previously home to HSBC until the banking firm closed down the branch back in June 2021.
Since HSBC moved out of Midland House and two floors of offices were vacated in April 2022, the three-storey building has remained empty.
Developers, however, have now officially been given the go-ahead to turn the first and second floor of the deserted three-storey office into 17 flats.
Documents appears to show each of the homes – which range from 39m2 to 44m2 in size – will comprise of a bathroom and an open-plan sleeping, living and dining area.
Eight of the flats will be positioned on the first floor while the other nine will be built into the second floor. The ground floor, meanwhile, will remain for commercial use.
Colchester Council planning bosses granted permission for the work after developers previously asked if prior approval would be needed before changing the site’s use.
Despite the proposal being signed-off by the authority, the proposed development has not been as warmly welcomed by residents.
One objector said: “It is clear the use of this development is a vehicle to carry out quick fix accommodation with little regard for quality and the effect on the area.
“This so-called gateway into Colchester will not be enhanced by 17 bedsits.”
Developers have given the greenlight permitting the work is finished within three years and all car parking spaces are completed before occupants move in.
Provision for “secure and convenient” bike storage for both tenants and visitors must also be established prior to the proposed development.
Developers have also been told to ensure no doors, windows, balconies or rainwater collection or harvesting equipment encroach into the passage of the public.
Another concerned residents opposed to the plans fears anti-social behaviour could increase in the area once the new flats become occupied.
They added: “Quality developments of a family-friendly nature is what is required – not the development of more bedsits.
“This will not add anything to an area that seriously needs regeneration and upgrades.”
Mark Goacher, Colchester councillor for Castle, meanwhile, is not necessarily opposed to the proposal, as long as the flats are of a good quality.
He said: “In principal, I don’t have a problem with creating more flats but we need clarification on what the flats are going to be like.
“My only concern would be the quality and whether tenants are going to be crammed in like sardines. But if the flats are of high quality then I have no problem.”
HSBC’s decision to shut the branch nearly two years ago was made in response to more customers opting to use online banking as opposed to its face-to-face services.
As a result of the closure, employees had to be transferred to other branches, including the financial firm’s city centre store in Colchester High Street.
