Concerns have been expressed over plans for a 'beautiful' former bank in a city area 'in need of Hockley-style makeover'. Part of the former TSB Bank on Low Pavement could be turned into 10 student apartments, if new plans are approved by Nottingham City Council.
The property was built mid 19th century and is Grade II listed, constructed with brick and set out with a stucco frontage and slate roof. The first and second floors would be converted to create the new apartments, and no external alterations would be made to the vacant bank.
Low Pavement was once full of financial companies who occupied the street's grand Georgian and Edwardian buildings. Some local residents were not enthusiastic about the planned changes to the ornate building.
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Rob Parker, 54, who is originally from Mapperley but lives in Derby, said the area would benefit if its buildings were put to better use. "People don't look up enough when they come to this area of the city. Some of the buildings are beautiful and deserve more care.
"This area needs a Hockley-style re-do to make the most of it, but in this country we have a passion for ruining old buildings. We are driving people out of the city centre - we are a learning town and the universities are important but not everything can be student accommodation."
Developers have said the only changes proposed will be to the rear of the site and inside the building. The site falls within the Old Market Square Conservation Area.
Mike Dale, 81, a retiree from Rise Park, said: "It closed down quite some time ago, the old TSB. I think we have to find something else to do with it.
"I don't have anything against students but I think it is too good of a building to waste on making more flats. A look of people don't look up while in the city, but there is some real architecture down this street.
"It is a pity they are not trying to turn it into another upmarket shop or split it into small businesses. With offices and shops closing though there might not be the demand now."
Cressida Laywood, 58, a retiree who lives in Nottingham city centre, said: "It would be a bit of a shame, I wouldn't support it. I think we have had enough buildings changed into flats now.
"It's a beautiful building, I think we could do something more with it. A lot of the buildings on this street are lovely but it's a bit worn, so I'm glad it looks like there's a lot of work going on.
"I live in a listed building myself off Derby Road. I think it would impact on the history of the street if it was changed into flats."
The project's planners stated the building would be preserved by the proposal. Swish Architecture on behalf of applicant Arran Bailey said: "The existing listed building will be retained and only internal changes will be made to preserve the heritage assets when viewed from the public highway, external alterations are proposed to the rear of the site only, hidden away from the main street as covered. The design approach includes the careful consideration of the prominent nature of the plot and creates a scheme that is well suited to its context and carefully addresses the requirements of the site.
"The layout of the apartments have been designed to maximise desirable outlook and eliminate overlooking with the use of carefully positioned internal spaces. The scheme will help preserve the appearance and quality of the existing site." The application is currently pending consideration by Nottingham City Council.
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