Metro Bank sets its sights on Portsmouth city centreÂ

A BANK that says it is bringing about a revolution in the industry has confirmed that it has its sights set on Portsmouth.Â
Burton in Commercial Road, Portsmouth 
Picture by Google MapsBurton in Commercial Road, Portsmouth 
Picture by Google Maps
Burton in Commercial Road, Portsmouth Picture by Google Maps

Metro Bank '“ which was the first new high street back to open in the UK for more than 100 years when it opened in Holborn in 2010 '“ has put in a planning application to install a cash machine and put up illuminated signs at a shop in Commercial Road, Portsmouth. 

The bank, which was founded by Anthony Thomson and Vernon Hill, promises to revolutionise banking in this country '“ and already offers services such as seven-days-a-week banking as well as offering customers help without the need for an appointment. 

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A spokeswoman said: '˜Metro Bank is rapidly expanding, and since we launched in 2010 we've brought the banking revolution to more than 60 communities across the UK.

Burton in Commercial Road, Portsmouth 
Picture by Google MapsBurton in Commercial Road, Portsmouth 
Picture by Google Maps
Burton in Commercial Road, Portsmouth Picture by Google Maps

'˜Portsmouth is a vibrant and diverse city that we'd love to be a part of, and with the support of the local community and authorities, we hope to be in a position to open a new store there shortly.' 

Metro Bank offers instant account opening, along with on-the-spot card printing, meaning customers can walk in without an appointment and walk out with a fully-functioning account. Stores have safe deposit boxes for people to store their valuables and coin counting facilities that are free to be used by customers and non-customers alike.

The banks are larger than standard high street branches, with comfortable facilities supported by state-of-the-art technology. 

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The application has gone in to Portsmouth City Council and concerns the unit occupied by Burton menswear store. 

However a spokeswoman for Arcadia, which runs Burton, said the chain had no plans to move. 

She said: '˜Currently this is a change of landlord, Burton is still trading at this unit. No notice has been given to us.' 

Burton has been trading from that store for at least 25 years. 

The council has yet to make a decision.To view the application search 18/01348/FUL on portsmouth.gov.uk  READ MORE: Sports fashion chain to move into former New Look store in PortsmouthÂ