Harpenden's High Street could be about to get a new pharmacy after plans were revealed for the former HSBC bank.

HBSC closed its doors in 2023 and the building at 1 High Street has remained empty over the last 12 months

Plans have previously been submitted for a HSBC "cash pod" at the site as part of calls for the town to receive a 'banking hub', supported by former MP Bim Afolami.

Proposals would see the basement and ground floor of the building take on a new identity as a pharmacy.

Manor Pharmacy currently has a home at 3A Leyton Grove, but owners have made an application to move in on the High Street later this year.

The plans would see alterations to the ground floor to facilitate a change of use, as well as the installation of new signage and a staircase.

The proposed plans for the former bank.The proposed plans for the former bank. (Image: St Albans City and District Council)

In a letter accompanying the statement, agents Simon Kaufman Architects said: "These proposals will provide new high quality pharmacy retail in a highly accessible location of the town centre which will enliven the street scene.

"Minimal, well-considered alterations to the building provide what is required to convert the building from the former bank, and will create a robust framework for the building to be well cared for into the future."

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This application notes that the current plans are just for the ground floor of the building, with hopes a decision will be made to to speed up the process and facilitate a November opening.

Simon Kaufman ArchitectsSimon Kaufman Architects (Image: Simon Kaufman Architects)

In the letter, developers say that "this will allow separate scrutiny of proposals and determination on their own merits, and the potential for the pharmacy to be installed in place on ground floor whilst a future application for the upper floors is still being considered. "

At time of writing no comments or objections have been received.

The public have until September 7 to comment on the plans - you can do so by visiting the St Albans City and District Planning Portal and entering the reference number 5/2024/1320