A FORMER bank in Saltcoats could be re-opening soon after plans were lodged to open a restaurant in the building.

Last year it was announced that the RBS banks in Saltcoats, Kilwinning and Kilbirnie would be shutting as part of wider restructuring but the Saltcoats branch could be back open as a restaurant and takeaway.

The building was sold for an undisclosed fee earlier in the year and the application was intimated to North Ayrshire Council last week.

The proposal will see a ‘quality restaurant’ and small takeaway facility in the town but it is yet to be revealed what type of restaurant it will be and when the owners plan to open their doors.

They said: “The proposed development will create a new eating experience and contribute to the range of wining and dining outlets in the area.

“By virtue of increased activity generated by the new restaurant, this part of Chapelwell Street will experience a resurgence in economic activity.”

And the developers also believe that the opening of a restaurant will make the immediate local area safer.

They continued: “In addition, during the evening and in the hours of darkness, the splay of light from the restaurant will greatly enhance the area and create a safer and more welcoming ambience.

“The area will be enlivened by the introduction of this new restaurant which will animate this part of the street and create a new dynamic which will contribute positively to the local area.”