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

Morecambe shortlisted in National Visa Awards celebrating the UK’s thriving towns David Waddington and John O'Neill

Morecambe shortlisted in National Visa Awards celebrating the UK’s thriving towns

04 Jul 2025

2

County council sets out 'areas of focus for 2025-26 in document Coun Stephen Atkinson

County council sets out 'areas of focus for 2025-26 in document

04 Jul 2025

3

Warden Construction completes project to help Preston school double pupil numbers Warden Construction completes project to help Preston school double pupil numbers

Warden Construction completes project to help Preston school double pupil numbers

04 Jul 2025

4

Grant Thornton advises RJ Power Networks on sale to Ipsum Jamie Roberts

Grant Thornton advises RJ Power Networks on sale to Ipsum

04 Jul 2025

5

College principal resigns Karen Buchanan

College principal resigns

04 Jul 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
LBV123 July/August Launch Event
Lancashire Business View magazine launch
Networking
16 Jul 2025

LBV123 July/August Launch Event

Burnley

08:30 - 10:30

Lancashire Built Environment Conference 2025
BEC 315 X 315 Px
Networking
25 Sep 2025

Lancashire Built Environment Conference 2025

Blackpool Football Club, Blackpool, FY1 6HX

08:30 - 13:00

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

Tri-Site Survey Equipment Showcase
unnamed (2).jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
09 Jul 2025 - 09 Jul 2025

Tri-Site Survey Equipment Showcase

Crow Wood Hotel, Burnley, BB12 0RT

09:30 - 16:00

Blackburn Cathedral hosts Champagne and Diamonds Event with Ainsworth Jewellers
Champagne-Jewellery 10 07 25_page-0001.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Awards
10 Jul 2025 - 10 Jul 2025

Blackburn Cathedral hosts Champagne and Diamonds Event with Ainsworth Jewellers

Blackburn Cathedral, Blackburn, BB1 5AA

18:00 - 20:30

Choose Chorley for Business - Talent Reimagined Business Breakfast
talentreimaginedbb.png.png
LBV Hub Seminars
10 Jul 2025 - 10 Jul 2025

Choose Chorley for Business - Talent Reimagined Business Breakfast

Strawberry Fields Digital Hub, Chorley, PR71PS

08:00 - 10:30

Shaping Preston's future by remembering its past
1750160034867.png.png
LBV Hub Networking
16 Jul 2025 - 16 Jul 2025

Shaping Preston's future by remembering its past

Society1, Coworking Space, Preston, PR1 3LT

18:00 - 20:30

Chamber Summer BBQ
LBV Hub Social
17 Jul 2025 - 17 Jul 2025

Chamber Summer BBQ

The Borough, Dalton Square, Lancaster, LA1 1PP

17:30 - 20:00

Preston Tech Connection: Web3 is Dead. Or is It?
July Longer Banner.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Networking
29 Jul 2025 - 29 Jul 2025

Preston Tech Connection: Web3 is Dead. Or is It?

Society1, Coworking Space, Preston, PR1 3LT

18:00 - 19:30

Preston Freelancer Meet-Up: July
Longer July Banner.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Networking
31 Jul 2025 - 31 Jul 2025

Preston Freelancer Meet-Up: July

Society1, Coworking Space, Preston, PR1 3LT

10:00 - 11:30

Cumbria Business Expo 2025
https---cdn.evbuc.com-images-880461633-4862066883-1-original.20241022-110415.jpeg.jpg
LBV Hub Exhibitions
19 Sep 2025 - 19 Sep 2025

Cumbria Business Expo 2025

Carlisle Racecourse, Carlisle, CA2 4TS

09:00 - 15:00

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 LBV122 Online Graphic
Subscribe now

Weekly news bulletin