Plans have been revealed showing what the vacant RBS building in Cheltenham will look like when it is transformed into a Goldsmiths.

The building at 43-45 Promenade has sat empty since the bank left in 2022 but is now set to reopen as a luxury jewellery retailer in the autumn.

Last month hoardings went up announcing Goldsmiths would be relocating there and that work would be carried out by Gloucester-based Barnwood.

Three sets of plans for the makeover were given the green light by Cheltenham Borough Council on Friday (Aug 30).

Work will include the existing architecture being cleaned and repaired and installation of new clear glazed windows, entrance doors and ceramic tiles on the fascia.

New internally illuminated Goldsmiths signs will be hung over the front door and mounted on the stone fascia.

Inside the non-original partitions, stairs, lift and mezzanine will be removed. New partitions, fire-rated doors and a suspended ceiling will be installed.

The end-terrace property which sits between The Promenade and Crescent Terrace dates back to circa 1820 and is within the Central Conservation Area.

A statement by SF Planning on behalf of applicant The Watches of Switzerland Group Ltd said the works will sensitively adapt the Grade II listed building "respecting and enhancing the site's historical and architectural significance".

It added: "Bringing the building into a new and viable use will also contribute positively to the vitality of Cheltenham's retail environment - especially important in the context of the recently vacant House of Fraser store on the opposite side of The Promenade."

Cheltenham Civic Society objected to the plans as it said while it welcomed a retail business on that corner, too many windows were to be covered with vinyl and the black window frames were a "harsh contrast to the mellow stonework."

The council's conservation officer also raised concerns about the illumination of the signs, the black door and window framing and dimensions of the door frame.

The applicant said other nearby businesses had similar details.

A report by planning officers said they "would have preferred to see the scheme amended" in line with these concerns and that a "level of harm to the listed building" had been identified.

However, it concluded that given the examples of other nearby commercial units design and signage type; the proposal was not considered to result in "unacceptable harm to the visual amenities of the surrounding area and would result in public benefits to the wider town".

Goldsmiths' store at 78 The Promenade will close after the new store opens.

The 230-year-old business has more than 90 stores across the UK. It was the first appointed stockist of Rolex watches in 1919 and operates the largest distribution network for Rolex, Omega and TAG Heuer watches.