Conversion of former bank premises.
Brief
The client brief was to achieve a change of use and listed building consent for a residential conversion of the entire premises, which had been fully occupied by the bank.
Originally converted to a branch of the Midland Bank, the unsightly 1960’s commercial front-age was carefully removed, enabling the traditional residential facade to be recreated as close as possible to its early 19th century appearance. This required temporary propping of the entire front façade above first floor level, whilst a new ground floor wall was constructed. Despite the external appearance reflecting a modest Georgian townhouse, the finished development provides 4 flats in the building fronting West Street, plus a new detached dwelling in the rear of the plot fronting onto St Michaels Road.
WLA worked closely with the conservation officer to ensure the repairs and restoration of the façade.
Project Challenges
The change of planning use to residential was pivotal in bringing the development forward, and was accepted following successful justification of the unviability of the premises for commercial or retail use. It is therefore a good example of how much needed housing can be provided within redundant commercial property, whilst also achieving a heritage benefit.
Whilst changes made during the previous conversion to a bank had removed much historic fabric within the ground floor of the building, many of the original internal features of the up-per floors remained intact. WLA worked closely with the conservation officer to ensure the repairs and restoration of the façade, in particular was carefully considered, specifically where the textural quality of the painted brickwork needed to match neighbouring buildings.
Repairs to the roof structure and coverings, the delicate traditional dormer window and bay window design required close attention to comply with the listed building status. To the rear, where a more utilitarian 1970’s two storey extension had been added, improvements were also made to the fenestration and elevations to further enhance the overall setting.
