Former Biggleswade Halifax bank could become burger and wings restaurant
Burgers, wings and shakes could soon be on the menu at a former bank on Biggleswade High Street, with plans for a new restaurant opening until 11pm every night.
The plans to turn part of Biggleswade's former Halifax bank into a burger and wings restaurant have been submitted to Central Bedfordshire Council.
The proposed restaurant, named 5 Akhis according to the application’s drawings, would occupy part of the building at 20–22 High Street, on the corner with Hitchin Street.
If approved, it would open from 11am to 11pm every day, including bank holidays, with customers able to eat inside or order food to take away.
The former bank was vacated in mid-2024 and the property was purchased in late 2025, according to a design and access statement submitted with the application.
Under the proposals, the western half of the building, at number 20, would be separated from the remaining former bank premises at number 22.
The restaurant would have a seating area and serving counter on the ground floor, while the kitchen and food storage facilities would be in the basement.
A new staircase would connect the two floors, with a dumbwaiter used to transport items between the kitchen and serving area.
The plans also include changes to the High Street frontage, with a new glazed entrance and screens replacing existing fixed glazing.
The applicant's architects say the changes would retain much of the building's existing appearance.
Their design and access statement says: "The proposed change of use of the former bank premises at No 20 to a Takeaway Restaurant is considered a viable proposal for the High Street and a positive asset to the local neighbourhood."
The applicant argues that the restaurant would not cause parking difficulties, pointing to nearby public parking and public transport links, including Biggleswade Bus Station.
The latest proposals follow two earlier planning applications concerning the upper floors of the former bank.
According to the design and access statement, permission was granted in June 2026 to convert the first-floor offices into two single-person studio flats, with a cycle store proposed on part of the ground floor at number 22.
The application form describes the conversion as nearing completion, although the accompanying statement refers to the flats as recently converted.
A separate application to turn the loft into a one-bedroom flat, including the construction of a rear dormer, was refused planning permission in September 2026, according to the statement.
The restaurant application, submitted by Bohola Inns Limited, is being considered by Central Bedfordshire Council under reference CB/26/03280/FULL. The consultation period ends on December 12, 2026.