A historic bank in the heart of Bolton town centre could be turned into five apartments under plans. The building was constructed as a commercial property first used as a business on Deansgate in 1875, but shut around two years ago, with the building being vacant ever since. The site was first listed at Grade II in 1974 and was formerly William Glyns Bank.
It sits within the Deansgate Conservation Area and is a grand gesture in the Neo baroque style. Now under plans submitted for the four-storey building, the second floor will be converted into five one bed units, one for one person, and the rest to home two people Those behind the development say the move could "help stem the feeling of decline" in the centre of Bolton . Applicants SAR Developments18 have stressed that the plans are an appropriate use for the building.
A statement submitted as part of the planning application by architects Good and Tillotson Ltd, states “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. “It is also noted that the provision of residential accommodation to the upper levels of existing buildings within towns and cities is now commonplace throughout the United Kingdom. “Given the mixed nature and uses of the surrounding buildings and notably the increase in the amount of residential accommodation now being provided within Bolton town centre it is felt that residential use is.
