A historic Grade-Two listed former bank in Oldham town centre which has been empty for more than a decade is to be turned into co-working offices.
Members of the planning committee have approved a proposal to convert the National Westminster Bank on Wallshaw Street at Oldham Mumps. The former NatWest bank, which was built in 1905 in ‘flamboyant baroque style’, has been empty for more than ten years.
Under the latest plans, submitted by applicant Atif Malik, it would become a co-working office space, and a number of repairs would be carried out to bring the building back into use. Planning officer Martyn Leigh said it would enable ‘significant’ repair and replacement works to the roof of the former bank which is in a ‘highly prominent’ location.
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“The site is in a highly sustainable location and there is an opportunity here for an active use of a large Grade-Two listed building,” he told councillors.
The authority’s conservation officer had concluded that the plans would cause ‘less than substantial harm’ to the heritage asset, and that bringing it back into use would be a ‘considerable’ public benefit.
The bank, originally the Manchester and County, was created by renowned Manchester architects Mills and Murgatroyd. It featured a unique baroque copper-crowned tower and a polished red granite base. Inside, the banking hall housed a 50ft mahogany counter.
The bank was taken over by NatWest in 1970. In 1995 it was closed when NatWest merged their Mumps and Yorkshire Street branches.
Committee chair Councillor Peter Dean said: “I think it would be a great bonus for it to be brought back into use.” The planning application and application for listed building consent were approved unanimously by councillors.
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