A restaurant and a clothes shop could soon open in Hinckley town centre in two units that have stood empty for several years.

The historic former Lloyds bank building at 10 The Borough and an outlet in The Crescent shopping complex which was previously a Select store both have commercial tenants lined up to take them on.

A restaurant operator has placed on offer to move into the former Lloyds bank, which was last used as a Coral bookmakers and has been vacant since 2009.

Plans are approved for the space to be converted into a restaurant and five apartments.

10 The Borough in Hinckley.

The ornate facade of the building features a heavy cornice and an elaborate central doorway, with its pediment broken by the Lloyds logo of a leaping horse.

Wards Chartered Surveyors is handling the lease of the property.

The group said in an update on its Facebook page: “It’s fantastic to have the historic former Lloyds bank building in Hinckley town centre under offer to an exciting restaurant operator.

“It’s great to see Hinckley town centre continuing to thrive.”

Wards is also in the process of acquiring the former Select unit in The Crescent, which closed in summer 2018, on behalf of a national clothing and homeware retailer.

It said: “This will be a brand new retailer for Hinckley and will be a great addition to the town centre.”

The Crescent in Hinckley

Another group soon to take on a unit in the retail complex is Santhi restaurant, who are taking over the former home of Italian restaurant Rossini, offering an array of Indian and Sri Lankan dishes.

Plans for the menu including baltis, venison dishes, an aubergine stir fry, mild and creamy dishes, as well as some vegan options.

Coventry Building Society opened a new branch in The Crescent in late 2019, installing a cash machine to the main walkway.

Vacant units in the shopping centre include the former home of Louisianna Chicken restaurant, which closed in June 2018 just four months after it opened.

It was revealed in August 2019 that Poundland had paid some £500,000 on a unit just over the way from the new building society branch, since the discount chain left it two and a half years ago.