Bid to convert part of ‘nationally important’ grade II listed bank building into flats

Flats could be built on the upper floor of one of Bolton’s most prominent listed buildings. A planning application has been lodged this week to convert part of the former Royal Bank of Scotland building on Deansgate into apartments.

The building, which is grade II listed and dates from 1875, has been empty since the bank moved out more than two years ago. The proposals would see the second floor of the building converted into five single-bedroom flats, four of them occupied by two people with the other property single occupancy.

The applicant, SAR Developments, said ‘demand for this size of building for one individual tenant is low’ so they plan to convert it into a mixed use building with the ground and first first floor retained for commercial use.

The bank building, described in a heritage statement as a ‘grand gesture in the neo-baroque style’ is a key building of Bolton’s Victorian heritage and lies within the Deansgate conservation area. The ground floor banking hall and mezzanine are dominated by large Corinthian columns supporting the ornate roof structure with central dome roof light.

A design and access statement in support of the plans, said: “As no significant changes are proposed to the exterior of the building the main element of consideration when determining the application is the change of use to permit residential use within part of the building.

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“This application proposes to change the use of the second floor only. “The demand for a building of this size for one tenant is low and it is considered that change of use of the upper levels for residential accommodation is appropriate.

“Taking into account the wider regeneration of Bolton town centre it is