A FURNITURE store is eyeing up a move to Cheshire.

The Cotswold Company looks set to open its first shop in the North West, in Knutsford.

Plans to convert the former Barclays bank on King Street were approved by Cheshire East Council last month.

A spokesperson for the Cotswold Company said: “We’re pleased to have secured planning approval for a showroom in Knutsford as part of our UK expansion strategy.

“We look forward to sharing more details about the store and our plans in the months ahead.”

The bank was purpose-built in 1856The bank was purpose-built in 1856 (Image: Google Maps)

The Cotswold Company’s first shop opened in Bourton-on-the-Water, Gloucestershire, in 1996.

“This very special patch of rural England will always inspire the furniture and accessories we design and make, as well as the idea of home that we hold dear,” reads the brand’s website.

They have since moved to neighbouring Stow-on-the-Wold and now operate 13 stores across the country.

If the move goes ahead, the Knutsford store will be the company’s first branch in the North West.

It will be located at the Grade II-listed Union Bank building at 127 King Street.

Purpose-built in 1856, the property was acquired by Barclays in 1919 and was more recently used as offices.

However, it has been derelict for several years.

The planning application, submitted by Millers Retail Design on behalf of the Cotswold Company, states that the property is ‘in need of investment, refurbishment and bringing back into use’.

Minor interior alterations are proposed, as well as a redecoration, and a refurbishment of the toilets.

Plans also include installing a disabled platform lift and enlarging door openings to ensure disabled people can enter and exit rooms.

“The proposal will return the listed building to sustainable use and secure its future after a long period of disuse,” reads a statement by Garry Miller Heritage Consultancy included in the application.

“The external envelope of the listed building, in which its significance is primarily embodied, will be sustained and hence its contribution to the conservation area and setting of the listed buildings will be sustained also.

“The internal alterations are of a limited nature and given that the character of the interior is primarily of 1980s-1990s office use, are not considered to be adverse.”

Cheshire East Council greenlit the plans on September 9, 2024.

Case officer Thomas Higton said: “The less than substantial harm that the works would result in would be outweighed by the public benefits of bringing an empty listed building back into active use.

“The application for listed building consent is therefore recommended for approval.”

According to the Savills estate agent website, 127 King Street is currently 'under offer'.