Plans to revitalize Kenilworth's former HSBC bank have advanced, following the approval of a series of works by Warwick District Council.

The Coventry-based Edmonds Jewellers expressed delight at the council's decision, which allows the company to move forward with its project to divide the unit at The Square into two separate spaces.

Business owner Carl Edmonds first unveiled the plan earlier this year, intending to relocate the jewellers from Cheylesmore, where it has operated for 38 years.

Once the refurbishment is complete, Edmonds will lease out the second unit. The transformation of the space into two new shops is now well underway.

"We are really excited the council has backed our vision for the former bank," Carl shared with Nub News.

"As well as moving our business to the town, we also want to add something to the high street and breathe new life into the space.

"I live in Kenilworth, and it is really exciting to know we are contributing to the town centre and adding something to the local community."

Edmonds is moving from Cheylesmore (image supplied)

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Work commenced earlier this year, involving the complete stripping of the old bank interior, including the challenging task of removing the drop safe from behind the former ATM.

Carl dedicated around six months to researching similar stores nationwide to refine his vision for the new Edmonds Jewellers store.

"It's exciting seeing the shop being built around you," Carl said.

"Every day we are making progress, and it is really exciting to get closer to opening."

In the upcoming weeks, Edmonds Jewellers is set to unveil several changes to its shop front, offering a glimpse to what the retailer has in mind for the store.

"In the next week or so, the slate stone fascia will be fitted along with new doors and windows," Carl said, "and that will finish the first phase of our shop front fixtures."

HSBC has been closed since last August (image by James Smith)

Carl emphasized the aim to enrich the shopping experience along The Square and Warwick Road by offering a distinctive range of products.

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"We will be stocking brands with price points from £10 upwards, so there will be something for everyone," he explained.

"I don't think there is anyone doing the range of lifestyle goods we will be doing, particularly with the brands we are working with.

"So I do think there is room for us to coexist with the other businesses in the town.

"We see this as a really exciting opportunity, and I have always wanted to do a shop fit myself from scratch."

Alongside these physical changes, Edmonds Jewellers is also revamping its website to enhance its online sales strategy.

The reintroduction of the popular Pandora brand to Kenilworth will be complemented by an extensive selection of jewellery lines, bags, scarves, and various accessories and services.

An artist's impression of how the new shops will look (image supplied)

While a specific moving-in date has yet to be confirmed, Carl shared mixed feelings about leaving behind the shop in Cheylesmore.

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"It was a difficult decision to leave Coventry, but it is the right one for the future of the business," he explained.

"Expanding our online offering with more space is a key advantage.

"I am also passionate about retail and confident the new store will be a great addition to Kenilworth. The overwhelming positive feedback from our existing customers since we announced the move has been heartening.

"After 38 years of service, it's wonderful that people still want to visit us, with many expressing willingness to travel further to our new location."

For more information about Edmonds Jewellers, visit their website here.