New life for former bank to bring lasting benefits

By Viva PR

12 May 2021

Website

The first stage of the transformation of a former town centre bank is about to take place with the opening of a new Post Office. It’s arrival at the former Royal Bank of Scotland building on Market Street, Chorley is reinvigorating the long derelict site. 

With the Post Office due to open its doors very soon, following the ongoing public consultation, development of the second retail unit is already underway – and then where’s the original bank vault to consider! 

The rental income from the retail units and bank vault will help to launch a unique charity project that will benefit young people in the town. The successful Inspire Youth Zone is planning to develop 14 self-contained homes on the upper two floors, providing much needed accommodation for young people taking the first steps into independence. 

The former bank that has been vacant for around 18 months, is now owned by Andy Turner MBE, Chair of the Chorley Group, and Chair of Inspire Youth Zone. To support the plan, he is donating the space to support the charity. 

The aim is to create long term rental accommodation for 16-25-year-olds, who will be supported by Inspire staff to help them get used to living independently. It’s not just about a roof over their heads but helping them with things like tenancy skills, employability, and other life skills. 

Work on renovating the building has been carried out by several local businesses who have provided professional services, resources and labour either for free or at a reduced cost. They include Philip Lambert Architecture, the Chorley Group, Design Roof Systems, Lancashire Double Glazing, Lenehan Scaffolding, Access Doors security shutters, Circuit Electrical, Matchstick Men, Heating and Cooling Installations and Lostock Skip Hire. 

Janine Blythe, Chief Executive of Inspire, said: “It is great to see the progress that’s been made with the opening of the Post Office. This is a landmark moment for the project but there is more to do. 

“We work closely with young people in the area every day and we see that it’s often a struggle for them to secure available and affordable rental accommodation. That’s why this project is so important.” 

Jeremy Gorick of Centaur, who provided the roofing material, said: “It is great to be involved in such a positive project that will bring new life to the town and support young people too. It’s a very worthwhile initiative and we were happy to play our part.” 

Inspire plan to work in partnership with either Chorley Borough Council or a local registered Housing Provider. 

Inspire, on Chapel Street in Chorley, offers everything from indoor climbing and sports, to dance and drama, with over 20 activities on offer each night. The purpose-built facility, which opened three years ago, continues to offer somewhere to go, something to do and someone to talk to for young people aged 8-19 for just 50p per visit. 

To show your support, please donate via www.inspireyouthzone.org. 

Enjoyed this? Read more from Viva PR

Latest news

1

New India branch campus on the horizon for Lancaster University Keir Starmer meets Indian PM and included Prof Simon Guy Lancaster University. Pic Simon Dawson

New India branch campus on the horizon for Lancaster University

09 Oct 2025

2

Best events and talented students complete finalists list for Lancashire Tourism Awards 2026 Best Events and Talented students on Lancashire Tourism Awards finalist list

Best events and talented students complete finalists list for Lancashire Tourism Awards 2026

09 Oct 2025

3

East Lancashire Learning Group named UK digital transformation leader in CIO 100 Awards Andrew Dewhurst with the award win

East Lancashire Learning Group named UK digital transformation leader in CIO 100 Awards

09 Oct 2025

4

PHX Training appoints new business leader in Blackpool Jason Davenport PHX Training

PHX Training appoints new business leader in Blackpool

09 Oct 2025

5

Velocity seals Airbus extension worth up to $54m Velocity Composites Has Announced Its Entry Into The Us Market

Velocity seals Airbus extension worth up to $54m

08 Oct 2025

Background image for hub sign up block

LBV Hub

Leverage Lancashire Business View platforms

Post your news
Post your events
Post your offers
Build your network
Improve your SEO
Gain coverage in the magazine
Sign-up
Events
CMI Level 5 Management and Leadership Course
UCLanAerialCampus.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
21 Feb 2025 - 21 Feb 2026

CMI Level 5 Management and Leadership Course

Preston Campus, Preston , PR1 2HE

09:00 - 17:00

CMI Level 5 Project Management Course
UCLanAerialCampus.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
21 Feb 2025 - 21 Feb 2026

CMI Level 5 Project Management Course

Preston Campus, Preston, PR1 2HE

08:00 - 17:00

Help to grow management course
Help to grow - barriers to growth.png.png
LBV Hub Seminars
26 Sep 2025 - 16 Dec 2025

Help to grow management course

Preston Campus , Preston , PR1 2HE

09:00 - 15:00

Advantage: AI – A Workshop for Business Leaders – Oct 10th
Ai 10.10.png.png
LBV Hub Seminars
10 Oct 2025 - 10 Oct 2025

Advantage: AI – A Workshop for Business Leaders – Oct 10th

Door4 Office, Burnley Wharf, Burnley, BB11 1JG

09:00 - 12:00

Unlocking major project opportunities in the North West
Lancs-cham-logo.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
15 Oct 2025 - 15 Oct 2025

Unlocking major project opportunities in the North West

Strathmore Hotel, Morecambe, LA4 5AP

08:00 - 10:00

The New Employee Rights Landscape: Day One Compliance Essentials
EventBrite NORi - 15th Oct 2025 Webinar.png.png
LBV Hub Webinar
15 Oct 2025 - 15 Oct 2025

The New Employee Rights Landscape: Day One Compliance Essentials

Microsoft Teams, Microsoft Teams, PR253XH

13:30 - 15:00

The Autumn Re set - pour me a wine
LBV Advert_Autumn Reset 1200 x 630px.png.png
LBV Hub Networking
16 Oct 2025 - 16 Oct 2025

The Autumn Re set - pour me a wine

The Artistry House , Preston , PR1 3JJ

17:30 - 19:30

The Business Network Central & East Lancashire
LBV Header (26).png.png
LBV Hub Networking
16 Oct 2025 - 16 Oct 2025

The Business Network Central & East Lancashire

Stanley House, Blackburn, BB2 7NP

11:30 - 14:15

October Freelancer Meet-Up
LBV Hub Networking
16 Oct 2025 - 16 Oct 2025

October Freelancer Meet-Up

Society1, Coworking Space, Preston, PR1 3LT

10:00 - 11:30

Women scaling up Blackpool Fylde and Wyre
LBV Hub Seminars
22 Oct 2025 - 09 Jan 2026

Women scaling up Blackpool Fylde and Wyre

The Small Business Academy, Blackpool, FY4 5JX

09:30 - 15:30

HR Essentials for pubs, bars and licensed venues
EventBrite NORi - 22nd Oct Webinar.png.png
LBV Hub Webinar
22 Oct 2025 - 22 Oct 2025

HR Essentials for pubs, bars and licensed venues

Online - Teams, Leyland, PR253XH

13:30 - 15:00

RISE - Lancashire's unique leadership programme for women
thumbnail_Emma Weston Illustration WENDY BOWERS RISE Illustrstion.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
22 Oct 2025 - 18 Mar 2026

RISE - Lancashire's unique leadership programme for women

East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce, Clayton le Moors, BB5 5JR

09:30 - 15:30

Advertise with us

Reaching 50,000 members, our print, digital and event platforms offer a fantastic way to raise your business profile and help you grow.

Find out more LBV124 Online Graphic
Subscribe now

Weekly news bulletin