Last bank in Middleton to close

Monday, 20 October 2025 17:04

By George Lythgoe

It is just a matter of months until Middleton’s last bank closes.

Halifax was the last holdout after Natwest on Long Street closed its doors for the last time in April. But bank bosses have announced that January 8, 2026 is the date Halifax will cease to have a physical presence in the Greater Manchester town.

Customers changing the way in which they do their banking is cited as the main reason for the closure of the Middleton Gardens branch.

A review from Barclays explaining the decision said: “Before we close any branch, we look at how customers are doing their banking. Most customers prefer to use our mobile app, online banking or call us.

“Because of this, we’ll be closing our Middleton branch.”

The review went on to say the Oldham branch remains open and a banking hub in Heywood is also available for customers.

This is the end of an era for in-person banking for Middleton. However, a pop-up Barclays local is still available to locals, three days a week, at the Lighthouse Project Community Hub within Middleton Shopping Centre.

Since it’s closure back in spring, a plan to convert the vacant Natwest bank on Long Street into a church has already been submitted.

Planning papers from the Churches of God read: “The proposed change of use from bank to Church of God will preserve the character and appearance of the Middleton Town Centre Conservation Area while providing valuable community facilities.

“The retention of the existing building envelope ensures no harm to heritage assets, while the new use will ensure the building’s continued contribution to the vitality of Long Street.”

The Churches of God are currently represented on five continents and in 19 countries. The sect of Christianity has roots in the Holiness or Pentecostal movements that began in the late 19th century.