Former Barclay’s Bank in Willenhall set to be redeveloped after sitting empty for years

JS Properties UK Limited has been given permission by Walsall Council planners to create a commercial unit and seven apartments on the building on Wolverhampton Street.

The property, situated in the main shopping area of the town, has been vacant for a number of years since Barclays Bank stopped using the premises.

Work will include extensions to the first and second floor while empty land behind the existing building will be developed to create three of the apartments.

It sits in a conservation area and the developer said all ‘significant architectural features’ of the building will be retained.

Agent Puuc Architectural Design Solutions said: “The building is currently a derelict commercial building which was previously used as a bank.

“The proposed use for the existing building will be to retain part commercial employment use to the floor and convert the upstairs to residential apartments.

“There will also be a rear extension to the first and second floor. The empty plot to the rear will be developed to provide a new three storey complex provide three one-bedroom apartments.

“The site is in an inner town area therefore sustainable travel will be promoted via providing a cycle store and great public transport links available on the doorstep.”

They added: “The site sits in the conservation area, and we are looking to retain all significant architectural features of the existing building so as not to ruin the character of the area.

“The windows on first and second floors of the front elevation are of architectural importance and our client proposes that the replacement windows match the style and features of the existing windows.

“The ground floor windows and doors are unremarkable and are without architectural merit and any changes made to these would be an opportunity to enhance the appearance of the building rather than detract from it.

“Furthermore, the rest of the street follows no consistent architectural style so any alterations would not be disrupting the character of the street markedly.”