A landmark Rochdale bank is being transformed into a pub, with private seating areas in the vaults.

Amber Taverns is ploughing £1m into the redevelopment of the grade II listed former Royal Bank of Scotland building on The Butts.

The branch closed over a year ago and was left in a state of disrepair after being vandalised and targeted by thieves.

Now it's about to get a new lease of life as part of the pub company's Hogarths chain.

Plans to change the Grade II listed building into a bar on the ground floor and a three-bed flat on the first floor were granted by Rochdale Council last week.

The transformation will see original features including its ornate ceiling and covings preserved, while the former bank vaults will be turned into private seating areas.

A 'huge' beer garden is also set to be added at the back of the building.

The bar will serve more than 100 types of gin alongside cask ales, beers and wines.

Sam Frankland, property director at Amber taverns, said: “This is a first class building in a great location, so we were very keen to get our hands on it.

“We were attracted to Rochdale because of all the investment going on with the new shopping and leisure development. The night time economy is also really building up in this area and the council clearly understands the importance of that.”

Councillor Allen Brett, leader of Rochdale Borough Council, said: “It’s great to see a company investing so heavily in such a historically important building, which has stood proud in Rochdale town centre for over 200 years.

"The fact that Amber Taverns has made such a commitment to the town shows how much special Rochdale is and how much it has to offer to investors.

“Rochdale is known far and wide for its stunning heritage and we’re proud to see so much of it coming back to life, ready to play a role in our future, as well as our past. This new business will be another fantastic addition to our night time offer and I can’t wait to see it open.”

The new Hogarth's is due to open next year, with opening hours from 10am to midnight Monday to Thursday and Sunday and 10am to 1.30am on Friday and Saturday.

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