The site of a former NatWest bank in Felixstowe, which has stood empty for more than five years, could be about to be occupied by a retailer.

The building, on the corner of Hamilton Road and York Road, is under offer with plans for a retailer to move into the ground floor of the premises, while the top will be redeveloped as apartments.

The branch closed on September 27, 2017 with NatWest blaming a sharp reduction in the number of transactions.

READ MORE: Could a former bank become Felixstowe’s newest restaurant?

At the time, a NatWest spokesperson said: “Since 2011 we have seen the number of transactions fall by 37% in the Felixstowe branch, 36% in the Stowmarket branch and 53% in the Woodbridge branch.

"These customers are actively choosing to bank in different ways, with an average of 62% of customers at these branches choosing to use our digital banking options.”

In 2019, this newspaper revealed the site was being promoted for use as a restaurant.

READ MORE: NatWest bank to close three branches in east Suffolk from September

Graham Mackintosh, from Farris Darrah, the chartered surveyors for the site, said: "It is under offer to a retailer.

"The ground floor is being offered to a retailer and the upper part will be developed as residential, flats. Planning permission has been approved for the flats."

The ground floor of the building is 1,935 sq ft.

READ MORE: Felixstowe news

The property can also be extended to the rear and the upper floors are also available for a new occupant to use.

There have been a spate of bank closures across Suffolk in recent months, with Barclays announcing that its Leiston branch would be closing on May 17.

In its place, a Barclays Local will offer cashless banking services and provide a place where customers can meet staff face-to-face and receive help with digital banking, financial reviews, balance checks, transfers and payments.