Barclays bank is looking for a new business to move into its now-empty branch in Wokingham town centre, amid concerns the empty shop gives the town centre a ‘poor’ look.

Barclays closed its Wokingham Branch at 31 Market Place which has been empty since in August last year. The bank still rents the premises from Wokingham Borough Council – but as its lease doesn’t expire until 2026, it’s up to Barclays to find a new tenant.

A Barclays spokesperson told the News that property agent JLL is advertising for a new tenant on behalf of the bank.

The update came as Wokingham Borough Council begins a review of its property and assets.

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Wokingham Borough councillor Peter Dennis told a committee meeting on Wednesday, February 28, the empty building ‘looks poor from a community point of view'.

Sarah Morgan, the council’s assistant director, commercial property, said that Barclays was still paying rent, but that WBC can’t advertise the vacancy while the lease is still running. She added: “None of us want an empty frontage on a very prominent place on Market Place.”

Councillor Dennis suggested that Robert Dyas could consider moving to the vacant unit. Plans to demolish 19 Market Place, where the homeware shop currently is, for a new block of flats were approved last month.

Robert Dyas told the News: “We fully intend to be part of the Wokingham retail offer in the future as we have enjoyed many years here and have built a loyal customer base.”