A FORMER Hyde bank will be turned into an education centre for children if planning permission is granted.
And the applicants believe the scheme would, ‘bring positive benefits to the vitality of the town centre’, cosmetically as well as mentally.
What was Barclays on the corner of Market Street and Milk Street will be converted into a centre for children aged six to 12 years old and ran by a locally-based group.
A statement on behalf of London-based applicant Yakeed Ahmed spelled out the benefits he believes it would bring.
It states: “We consider the proposed development will improve the visual appearance of the existing building, will enable the building to be utilised to its full potential and will provide local investment in Hyde without any detrimental effect on the area.
“The site offers an opportunity to fully utilise an existing commercial building, which is located within an accessible and sustainable location.
“The existing former bank building is currently vacant and this proposal will see the building used to its full potential and offer an important service to the local community by providing a facility where young children can receive additional learning/education and social interaction with their peers.”
Barclays in Hyde closed in May 2020 and has stood vacant since, with Mr Ahmed subsequently buying the building.
If Tameside Council grants permission, the centre use would be open from 5pm until 8pm Monday to Friday and from 10am until 3pm on Saturday and Sunday.
The statement adds: “The main users will be school aged children who will be offered the opportunity to obtain additional teaching/education on language and other subject matters to enhance their knowledge and learning skills and benefit the local community.
“The number of students attending the building each day will be a maximum of 45-50.
“The teachers and other staff members who operate the use will be suitably experienced to ensure the pupils get the correct education and attention in order to enhance their skills.
“The proposed use will be well-managed and controlled by the teaching and other support staff working at the building and they aim to deliver a good quality education experience for the students.
“Classes will be carefully planned and organised to ensure that there is no impact on the adjoining businesses and the nearby residential properties.
“The proposed development will provide economic, social and environmental benefits and constitutes sustainable development.
“The building could be used for a wide range of different uses under its current Class E designation and arguably the proposed use will have less overall impact.”
Tameside Council’s Speakers Panel (Planning) committee will decide whether to grant or refuse planning permission.