In a plot twist even local planners didn’t see coming, a former Royal Bank of Scotland in the heart of Middleton is now set for a different kind of deposit, the spiritual kind, as The Redeemed Christian Church of God has applied to convert the building into a place of worship.
The building at 5 Market Place, once known for mortgage applications and soul-crushing interest rates, is now eyeing a more uplifting purpose: prayer, meetings, and the occasional divine spreadsheet. The proposal includes modest use, Wednesday evenings and Sunday mornings, meaning it’s unlikely to disturb anyone’s takeaway schedule or sacred lie-ins.
The building itself isn’t listed, but sits cheek-by-jowl with the Grade II listed former insurance office-turned-pub at number 3, designed by local architectural legend Edgar Wood. While the pub next door promises spirits of a different sort, the church insists there’ll be no loud music, no disco lights, and certainly no Sunday morning hangovers.
This isn’t the first reinvention attempt. In 2020, an ambitious application to turn the site into a nightclub was rejected due to concerns over anti-social behaviour, dance-offs, and possibly someone trying to do the Macarena near heritage brickwork. A nightclub-café hybrid squeaked through planning in 2022 but never materialised, possibly after realising most Middleton residents prefer their caffeine without a side of techno.
Planning documents from Obsidian Design & Build confirm that the church’s plans are refreshingly non-invasive. No wrecking balls, no controversial signage, and certainly no changes that would frighten passing pigeons. The most radical addition will be a bin store and a bike rack, a sure sign of modernisation, faith, and council compliance.
Obsidian also confirmed that nobody’s bothered to consult the neighbours yet, because frankly, there’s nothing to object to unless you’re deeply offended by quiet contemplation and occasional hymns.
With no parking included (but several town centre options nearby), the church is banking on public transport and local goodwill, both of which are more reliable than RBS ever was.
From down the M62, we say amen to this latest reinvention of high street heritage. If Middleton can turn cash counters into prayer rooms, anything’s possible, even sorting out the Post Office queue.
