A SEVEN-DAY-A-WEEK bank is set to open in Southampton’s Westquay centre, bringing an estimated 25 new jobs to the city.

Civic chiefs have approved an application by Metro Bank to take up three units within the shopping complex.

The challenger bank aims to occupy two empty spaces (formerly Starbucks) which face out onto Above Bar Street.

The company also hopes to occupy a neighbouring third unit, currently occupied by jewellers F.Hinds.

Property director, Neil Hinds, confirmed the jewellers is set to quit Westquay, and could leave as early as January.

However, Mr Hinds said that the company would retain its other Southampton store, in the Marlands.

He added that the company would attempt to find a new store in the city and would try to relocate staff where possible.

Meanwhile, Metro Bank looks set to take out a 25-year lease on the three units, which the Echo understands will be converted into one large unit.

It will be the bank’s first branch in Southampton and only the second in Hampshire, following Basingstoke which opened in December.

In its application to Southampton City Council, which was approved this week, Metro Bank said it spends around £3million on average for each of its “high quality fit outs”.

It added that the proposed shopfront will provide a “high quality, glazed shopfront” that is “appropriate” to its surroundings.

As well as fitting out the units with new signs, Metro Bank has also been given permission to install a new 24-hour cashpoint facing out onto Above Bar.

Metro Bank hope to keep the branch itself open between 8am and 8pm Monday to Friday and 8am to 6pm on Saturday.

The branch is also set to open between 11am and 5pm on Sunday and bank holidays.

Metro Bank was founded in 2010 by American businessman Vernon Hill.

When it was floated on the London stock market in 2016, it was the first high street bank to be launched in more than 150 years.

To date, Metro Bank has opened 48 branches and, according to its plans, hopes to open up to 110 stores by 2020.

As of 2016 Metro employed more than 2,100 staff.