A NEW bank, open for seven days a week, may soon open in Chelmsford city centre - in the store currently owned by Next.

Bosses from Metro Bank, which became the first new retail bank company to open up in Britain for 150 years in 2010, have now submitted an application to Chelmsford Council.

The firm is seeking permission to move into the shop currently occupied by Next in the High Street, which the clothing retailer is due to leave later this year.

Since opening their first branch in Holborn, central London, the company has expanded to having 26 banks across the UK mainly based in the South East.

It is now looking to bring their presence to more high streets with bosses saying Chelmsford was a popular choice with them.

Along with the change of use for the building the plans also include installing cash machines to the front of the property and installing signs to the shop front.

Within the plans, Metro Bank has stated it only wish to use the ground floor of the three-storey building for customers with the rest being office space.

Neil Gulliver, the councillor responsible for planning and economic development, said: “They will provide a interesting new option for residents as from what I know of them they are different from their high street bank competitors as they open seven days a week.

“It is positive to see a different type of industry moving into the city and it shows the appeal Chelmsford has to retailers.”