A BANK has shown an interest in a former town centre fashion store.

TSB is preparing to quit Crompton Place Shopping Centre and move to Deansgate into what was the Utopia fashion boutique ­— which previous to that was Dorothy Perkins.

The bank will be the second big name to quit the retail complex, which is earmarked for demolition to make way for ambitious £250m redevelopment plans.

TSB is currently based on Hotel Street and is preparing to move to the bigger unit in the conservation area

Under planning proposals submitted to Bolton Council, the premises will be transformed, with the alcove being removed and a number of meeting areas created.

A TSB spokesperson said:“TSB is committed to a national branch network, and is investing in a new branch in Deansgate to support our customers in Bolton.

"While technology is rapidly changing the way most people are doing their banking, support and guidance from our colleagues in branch remains crucial for those important or unexpected moments, such as buying a new home, having children or dealing with a bereavement.”

Cllr Martyn Cox, deputy leader for Bolton Council and cabinet member for regeneration said: "Crompton Place is our flagship development and will support businesses to relocate in the town centre."

Eye care specialists, Specsavers was the first to move out of its base in the retail complex to its new unit across Victoria Square in March.

The move led to the opticians expanding its teams.

The former BHS store has been vacant for some time since the chain's collapse in 2015.

Planning permission was granted last year to demolish Crompton Place, beginning with the part of the shopping centre which faces Victoria Square, before moving to the Bradshawgate side.

Plans for the site include an 110-bedroom hotel, 150 homes, office space and a mixed-use retail, leisure, dining and events space, dubbed 'Bolton Works', designed for independent retailers and food operators, and a dedicated space for small business start-ups.

It also promises to provide a predominantly pedestrianised environment with a new walkway connecting Bradshawgate to Victoria Square for the first time.

The work lies at the heart of the council’s £1.5bn town centre masterplan.

In recent years, Crompton Place has had mixed fortunes as high street shopping centres across the country contended with changing consumer habits.

The future of Primark and Boots, other names within the complex are yet to be revealed.