The HSBC branch in St Julian's has been put up for sale, less than a fortnight after the bank announced eight branches will shut down by the end of the year. 

The decision to sell a prime site property raised eyebrows and took many by surprise as it was refurbished just at the beginning of the year.

The bank announced its intention to sell the St Julian's property through a request for proposals published by Frank Salt Real Estate in a newspaper advert last Sunday. Located in St George's Road, corner with Triq il-Qaliet, the building has a footprint of 250 square metres "in a prime location overlooking Spinola Palace and Gardens, just one minute walk from Spinola Bay and Portomaso Marina". 

Moreover, the property is being advertised as a "superb site" for a landmark building.