CLOSED bank branches look set to return to life as retail units in Cirencester.

A new planning application indicates that the White Company intends to open in the former Barclays outlet in Market Place which closed in November last year.

And there was more good news for the town's retail scene this week after plans to open a Cornish Bakery in the old HSBC also in Market Place were approved while a new shoe shop is officially opening soon in nearby Cricklade Street.

It comes as a new bar opened in the town centre last month along with a high-end jewellers and an independent homeware store.

Founded in 1994, luxury homeware, clothing and gift retailer the White Company specialises in white products and has 70 stores across the country including one in the Promenade in Cheltenham.

It has submitted a planning application to Cotswold District Council to revamp the interior and shopfront of the old Barclays and add signage.

The chain is also advertising on its website for a store manager, assistant store manager, sales advisor and visual supervisor for the store.

Meanwhile, the Cornish Bakery now looks set to open in the old HSBC on the corner of Cricklade Street which shut in August last year.

Signage, planters and awnings for the eat-in and take-out bakery were included in the planning application.

The shoe shop which is officially opening at 26 Cricklade Street on Saturday, October 26 is called Hotter, which has 18 other branches across the country and previously had a stand at Dobbies Cirencester.

Goody bags will be given to the first 30 customers who make a purchase after deputy mayor Andy Jopp and town crier John Lawrence open the store at 9.30am.

Store manager Jo Daffon said: “It’s so exciting to be opening another new Hotter store especially where we already have an existing loyal customer base.

“We’re opening with our newest collection in-store, packed full of stylish yet comfortable shoes for both men and women."

The other retail outlets launched in Cirencester recently include Matilda’s bar in Bishops Walk, Boutique Bijou jewellers in the Corn Hall and La Mesa homeware in Cricklade Street.

A spokesperson for Cirencester Town Council said: "Our vision for Cirencester, through the Neighbourhood Plan, is to pass on to future generations a historic and vibrant, welcoming and friendly rural market town with a strong sense of community and wellbeing.

"Not having so many empty premises indicates that we continue to have a strong local economy and that Cirencester is a good place in which to live and do business.

"While it’s marvellous that new food and retail outlets are opening, it’s important that the mix of retail and food outlets meets the needs of the whole community."

The White Company did not respond to a request for comment by the time the Standard went to press.