Former village bank to be converted into cafe

A former bank building in Derbyshire is set to be brought back into use as a new cafe later this year.

The building on the corner of King Street and Milford Road in Duffield, which was most recently home to consultancy firm Customer Plus, is to be converted into a daytime cafe and evening events space.

The project, which was approved by Amber Valley Borough Council, will create two full-time jobs and has been financed and led by members of St Alkmund's Parish Church.

The cafe will have a rear courtyard with outdoor seating and it is hoped it will be open by autumn.

The Reverend Dr James Hughes of St Alkmund's said: "Our vision as a church is to have a presence in the village where we can reach out to, and make connections with our friends and neighbours in the village, and provide a base for both our church ministries and for other activities."

Evening activities at the building could include after-school drop-ins for primary or secondary school students, youth groups, teaching sessions and a range of clubs, the church said.

The cafe premises are owned by the Duffield & Little Eaton Trust for Gospel Ministry charity.

The charity was founded in 2004 and is funded by members of St Alkmund's Church, St Paul's Church in Little Eaton and other local churches.

The building has been vacant for nearly three years after its most recent occupant left in 2023.

Planning permission for the creation of a new accessible entrance into the building was granted by Amber Valley Borough Council in December last year.

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