A planning application has been submitted to Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council for the development of a former bank premises in Antrim town centre.
The proposal will see the refurbishment of the former First Trust Bank at High Street, if it is approved. The branch closed in July 2017.
The planned renovation will see the creation of two ground floor retail outlets and five first floor apartments.
A design and access statement lodged with the planning application has indicated that the commercial building features a former banking hall, strong rooms, offices, customer area, interview rooms and toilets.
Proposed front and side elevations
The report says that the application seeks to retain the existing facade of the building which is located within Antrim Town Centre Conservation Area.
It adds: “Overall, the proposed works take account of the architectural importance of the host building in that the works will respect the original external form. The main physical features will be retained.
“The proposed development will make a positive contribution to the conservation area.
“The proposed development represents the sustainable use of buildings within an urban area. It will provide a new lease of life for this building. The character and setting of the building will be maintained and improved and the quality of visitor accommodation will be enhanced.”
The borough council’s environmental health department has requested the applicant to undertake a noise impact assessment due to “close proximity to commercial businesses with proposed retail units on the ground floor”.
Separately, planning permission is being sought from the borough council for change of use from offices at Market Square, in Antrim town centre, to nine apartments.
The proposal seeks to create four two-bed and five one-bed apartments on upper floors of the building with retail use of the ground floor to be retained. This building is also located within Antrim Town Centre Conservation Area.
A design and access statement for this application says that the “proposed dwelling lay-outs are designed to ensure overlooking is minimised”.
It notes that the proposal “provides more quality and sustainable housing in an existing urban area”.
Last August, Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council approved a £1.4m ‘Living Above the Shops’ scheme in a bid to boost investment in the borough’s town centres.
The council is seeking to increase footfall, business investment and vibrancy through a new “urban community” and aid the growth of an evening economy.