A SECTION of the ground floor of a former bank building in Colchester could become flats after businesses showed “limited interest” in using it commercially.

Midland House, in North Station Road, was previously home to HSBC until the firm closed the branch back in June 2021.

Since HSBC moved out of Midland House, and after two floors of offices were vacated in April 2022, the building has remained empty.

Developers have previously been given the go-ahead, however, to turn the first and second floor of the three-storey office into 17 flats.

Eight of the flats will be positioned on the first floor while the other nine will be built on the second floor.

The entire ground floor, meanwhile, was due to remain for commercial use.

However, fresh plans have been put back before Colchester Council, proposing to convert the rear of the vacant ground floor into five additional apartments.

The front portion of the ground floor facing onto North Station Road, meanwhile, will remain commercial.

Despite the new plans being submitted, Fenn Wright, who was tasked with marketing the premises, fears the site could remain empty.

A letter seen by the Gazette reads: “Considering the current market conditions letting the entirety of the premises to a commercial occupier is considered somewhat limited.

“In our opinion, it is highly likely the premises could remain vacant for the foreseeable future unless it is reconfigured to provide a mix of smaller, well-presented office and or retail spaces, with main road frontage, as these will have wider appeal.”

North Station Road has previously been described as "lawless" and been branded a hot bed for drugs and anti-social driving.

Bosses at Fenn Wright have now also said the location could be a reason why there has been little interest shown from businesses.

“During the course of the second marketing phase, we have had limited enquiries and interest in the building resulting in just two viewings," they added.

“From the feedback received this is predominantly due to the location of the premises, with the majority of requirements either being for prime city centre (retail) or for outlying business park locations (offices).

“Also, the size, condition, specification and age of the building have proved restrictive.

“Current occupiers are now typically seeking modern, and high quality and specification, accommodation.”

Colchester Council will rule on the plans.