An independent operator of optician practices is opening a new site.
Banks Opticians is investing £200,000 in the launch of its latest branch in Knowle which is due to open in April.
The new venue will be the company’s third, joining its other two practices in Birmingham.
Banks Opticians is run by siblings Paul Banks and Sarah Morgan whose father David started the business more than 50 years ago.
The duo is transforming the old Indigo Art Gallery in High Street into a brand new showroom.
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The management team has renovated the old building, installing a new air conditioning and heating system and creating a consulting room, waiting area and dispensing zone.
They have also included a bar in the refurbishment work.
Ms Morgan said: “We have always admired the vibrancy of Knowle High Street so, when the opportunity came up to take over the art gallery, we jumped at the chance.
“The idea is to deliver luxury eyewear in a boutique-style opticians that prides itself on providing personalised service and the very best clinical care.
“That’s the approach we have employed at our Acocks Green and Sparkhill branches and one we believe will really appeal to local people.
“Refurbishment work is going really well and the external branding should be completed shortly.”
Banks Opticians was named as the UK’s practice of the year in 2022 and optical retailer of the year 2024.
Mr Banks, who took over the reins with his sister in 2005, added: “We believe every face is unique and that eyewear can make people feel amazing and enhance their confidence to suit their personality.
“What we’re trying to create in Knowle is a place which ‘wows’ when a client enters. The excitement for the opening is building and we’ve already recruited three professionals to our newly formed team.
“There’s a real desire to be a fixture on the high street for years to come and we’ll be looking at how we can get involved in supporting local events and boosting footfall in the town.”
