The Albany Hotel was opened in 1898, just months after the new Town Hall. It was part of an area redevelopment that transformed the city centre. The Yorkshire Penny Bank moved into one end of the building.

As fashion changed and more modern hotels took over, the bank took over the whole of the ground floor. In 1958 the hotel closed completely and the bank it took over the whole building. The once decorative gabled roof was replaced by a naff 60s style penthouse.

At one time the Albany had a temperance bar.