Bank to 7-Bed HMO: Farnworth's New Housing Solution

0:00On April 8th, a vacant NatWest Bank on Market Street in Farnworth is set for a fresh start as a seven-bedroom house in multiple occupation. The branch shut down back on May 15th, 2025, and now add coal emulated as file plans to convert part of it into residential space. It's all internal tweaks, no changes to the outside look. The setup includes seven private bedrooms, each with a small double bed, desk, wardrobe, and in-swee shower room. They'll share kitchen and living areas for that communal vibe, fitting into 210 square meters of the building's total, 706. Farnworth, Bolton's second largest town, with about 29,000 residents, just lost its last high street banks. Lloyd's clothes less than two. Weeks after NatWest, folks there need more housing options in this walkable spot. Backers say it mixes residential with commercial, with commercial perfectly, keeps the building viable, long term, and avoids any hit to the area's character. Bedrooms range from 10.3 to 17.7 square meters, making efficient use without overwhelming the site.

1:06Bolton council planners are eyeing the proposal now, with a decision coming in the weeks ahead. Reviving dead spaces like this keeps communities thriving.