THERE could be changes in store for these iconic old pub and bank buildings in Birkenhead.

It has been announced that the Black Horse in Tranmere could be turned into flats while the old Lloyds TSB in Bebington is set to become a restaurant and bar.

If a change of use planning application is approved for the old bank building on Old Chester Road, it will become the second Ella Grill restaurant – with the owners of the popular Turkish eatery in Prenton set to expand.

Paul Doughty, who is the agent involved in the proposals, said: “It’s a well-located building in a prominent position and we are hoping these plans will be approved.

“There’s been no objections to date. The client already has a successful restaurant in Prenton.

“There’s a shortage of good quality places to go and have a meal in Birkenhead generally, so we are hoping it will be a good addition to the local economy – creating jobs and providing a place for people to eat and socialise.”

Plans to transform the old bank building were submitted in February, and will see the restaurant take up two floors of seating.

It comes after it was announced in April 2016 that the Lloyds would close 'because of the changing way customers choose to bank', which resulted in it being used less often.

The closure in July that year came on the same day as the banking giant also shut its nearby New Ferry branch.

Wirral Globe:

Lloyds TSB bank on Old Chester Road

A statement at the time from Lloyds read: “We are closing this branch because customers are using it less often.

“While our branches still play a vital role in meeting our customers’ needs, particularly those with more complex requirements or who prefer to meet face-to-face, we must continually review our network to make sure we have branches in locations where customers want and use them the most.”

In terms of the Black Horse, not a great deal of information has been included in the plans submitted to Wirral Council, other than the building’s change of use will see it go from being a pub with an ancillary first floor flat to two apartments.

The Church Road pub is believed to have recently closed, and a post on its Facebook page on March 23 said: “Sorry folks don’t know as yet what’s happening with the Black but sorry one or possibly two nights per week doesn’t pay the bills.

“Only people making anything in last 12 months has been the bar staff paid wages and received tips.”

The planning application comes after the Black Horse was put up for sale by auctioneers Smith and Sons in July last year.

That listing described it as being in a 'good residential catchment area' and within five minutes’ drive of the town centre.

The 'substantial two-storey' property was described as having a four-bedroom apartment on the first floor, with the entire building listed with a guide price of £150,000 to £200,000.

The new plans, submitted last month, revealed the proposals to transform the ground-floor pub area.

If approved by council planners, it will become a large two-bedroom apartment complete with lounge, kitchen/dining room, study, utility room, bike store and two bathrooms.

Attempts were made to contact both the developer and the pub.