Plans have been put forward for permission to convert a former branch of NatWest in Derby city centre into a bar, restaurant or cafe.
A company called CityServe Properties has lodged proposals with the city council to secure a change of use for the Market Place property.
The proposals would involve converting the ground floor and basement of the three-storey building, which was built in 1910.
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The property has stood empty for almost three years after NatWest decided to close the branch because of a fall in the number of over-the-counter transactions and the rise in internet banking. Today, the bank has its main city centre branch in St Peter’s Street.
Not long after the Market Place branch closed, the property was sold at auction. Since then it has been marketed for rent but has so far failed to attract a tenant.
According to the planning application, it is hoped that with permissions in place for bar, restaurant or cafe use, the building will prove more of an attractive proposition to potential occupiers.
In planning documents submitted to the city council by DPDS Consulting, on behalf of CityServe Properties, it said: “The applicant has invested a considerable amount of time and money in 7 Market Place to bring the building back into active use. Despite a period of extensive marketing the building is yet to be re-let.
“It is anticipated that when marketing the property to attract an end user it will be a much more attractive unit with planning permission for flexible A3 (cafe/restaurant) or A4 (drinking establishment) uses in place for the ground floor and basement.
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“Once an end user has been attracted they will be able to submit the detailed plans.”
According to the application, the plans have received the backing of Marketing Derby, a public/private sector organisation that works to attract new investment to the city.
In its statement of support, Marketing Derby said: “The City Centre Masterplan identifies a vision for the creation of a vibrant city centre which is a city of choice for residents, businesses and visitors.
“A key pillar of the delivery plan is the reinvention of the Market Place, with large scale regeneration schemes such as the new Assembly Rooms and the Derby Market Hall Transformation Programme.
“The former NatWest bank occupies a prime location on the Market Place, and has been vacant for a number of years.
“A change in permissions to allow such an attractive and prominent building to be brought back into use would align with the masterplan and be beneficial to the city centre as a whole.”
Following a raft of branch closures, a number of former NatWest outlets across Derbyshire are being put to alternative uses.
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Currently, the bank’s former Mickleover branch is being converted into a micro-pub called The Hole in the Wall by Derby Brewing Company.
Meanwhile, property agents BB&J Commercial has started marketing the former NatWest branch in Belper.
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The property, on the corner of Campbell Street and King Street, consists of a banking hall, which provides a large open plan retail area. To the rear, there is a range of bank vaults.
According to BB&J, the premises would be suitable for a range of uses, including a shop, professional and financial services, a restaurant/cafe or a pub - subject to planning consent.
Chris Keogh, senior surveyor at BB&J Commercial, said: “Belper is a solid location and while there are the major high street brands there it still has a healthy presence of local businesses, which complement one other.
“Given its position within the town centre, space proportions and configuration, the property ideally lends itself to either a restaurant, bar or cafe.”