POSTERS poking fun at a banking firm over its decision to shut hundreds of branches have appeared on the now deserted Colchester building the company once occupied.
HSBC shut down its North Station Road site back in June 2021 in response to more customers opting to use online banking as opposed to its face-to-face services.
As a result of the closure, employees had to be transferred to other branches, including the financial firm’s city centre store in Colchester High Street.
Since HSBC moved out of Midland House and two floors of offices were vacated in April 2022, the three-storey building has remained empty.
The site’s covered windows have now been adorned with white posters brandished with the bank’s logo which sarcastically call out the firm’s business practices.
The signs read: “HSBC – opening up a world of opportunity by closing our branches and cash machines and spending money on adverts.”
The stunt comes after the company unveiled plans to shut 114 of its branches – which is more than a quarter of its sites - this year.
HSBC has been contacted for comment.
In December the Gazette revealed how the Midland House’s top two floors could be turned into a flats after developers approached Colchester Council.
The 17 homes could range in size and each have a bathroom and open-plan sleeping, living and dining area, while the ground floor could remain for commercial use.
The developer, however, wants to use permitted development rights to carry out the work without planning permission.
Colchester Council will have the final say on whether prior approval is needed.
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