PART of a historic city centre building, which once housed a well-known bank, has been put up for rent.

The ground floor of the National Westminster Bank, on Southampton High Street, has been put on the market for a new occupier.

The grade two listed Italianate-style building, which sits opposite Holyrood Church, was built in 1867 and designed by John Gibson.

It was originally occupied by the National Provincial Bank – a British retail bank which operated in England and Wales from 1833 until 1970.

The bank was then merged into the National Westminster Bank, which later became known as NatWest.

Until recently the building was an Italian restaurant named Bella Calabria Two, which has since closed.

The restaurant boasted a four-and-a-half star rating on Tripadvisor, with its last rating, of five stars, coming in April 2019.

Now the ground floor and basement of the building has been put up for rent by estate agents, Savills, who are looking for offers from pubs, bars, clubs, restaurants and cafes.

A spokesperson for Savills described the property as “a nice building”.

In a description the estate agent added: “The property comprises a ground floor restaurant bar unit with mezzanine and basement.

“Customer access to the property is from High Street and comprises an open plan trading area which could accommodate approximately 150 covers.

“There is a fully fitted trade kitchen to the rear.

“The property is located on Southampton High Street and occupies a prominent corner position.

“The High Street is a well-established retail and leisure area.”

The property is within the boundaries of the Old Town North Conservation Area.