An empty valleys building that used to be a branch of Natwest bank is going to auction after years standing empty as well as a past of being used for dubious activities.
The end of terrace, three-storey building in Pentre, Rhondda Cynon Taf closed its doors to customers in December 2015. The main reason for closure was issued via a statement from the bank at the time that cited a decline in its use due to online growth.
The property, with its original banking hall on the ground floor and a total internal space of some 2,444sq ft, is listed with a guide price of £80,000-plus with Newport-based Paul Fosh Auctions.
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The closure of the bank was another blow for the village having already suffered a loss of a number of local amenities and facilities - read about that here.
Since then the building on Forge Street has become an eye-sore in the village, as well as having established a reputation as a former cannabis factory and drugs den within the empty property. On March 3, 2020 a large cannabis factory was discovered inside the premises when police officers entered the property.
The visit to the former bank was part of a series of raids by police officers in Rhondda Cynon Taf after tip offs from members of the public that also included two other cannabis factories at the former Diamond Jubilee Hotel building in Tylorstown, Rhondda and the old bingo hall on High Street in Pontypridd.
Combined over the three growing sites, South Wales Police estimated they found over 1,000 plants. But now the former bank building is free from foliage and up for sale, and could offer a new owner the potential to renovate and convert and create new homes, subject to planning consent of course.
Debra Bisley, of Paul Fosh Auctions, said: "The property has an interesting history. It's a solid building as it was a bank for quite some time. There are still the various trappings of its former use including the banking hall on the ground floor and locked safes, but we don't have keys for the safes.
"The first floor comprises staff and ancillary accommodation benefiting from UPVC double glazing. The property offers a number of potential alternative uses or redevelopment opportunities, subject to the necessary consents.
"Most recently the place was used for illegal purposes, to cultivate drugs. Potential bidders are encouraged to note the internal condition of the property as it has only been partially cleared. The property is situated in the village of Ton Pentre and nearby there are a number of local retailers. Access to the A470 is nearby providing links to Cardiff to the south east."
The former bank is being sold with vacant possession via online auction at the Paul Fosh Auctions sale which starts at noon on Tuesday August 30, at noon and ends from 5pm on Thursday, September 1, 5pm. And don't miss the best dream homes in Wales, renovation stories and interiors, join the Amazing Welsh Homes newsletter, sent to your inbox twice a week.
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