A former bank that is standing empty on Ashton-under-Lyne’s high street could become flats and a bar and restaurant under new proposals.
The building, on Market Avenue, dates back to 1849 and was most recently occupied by Yorkshire Bank which closed in January 2022. It has been empty since then.
Under the new plans, lodged with Tameside council, the upstairs of the former bank, which lies within the Ashton Conservation Area, would be converted into three apartments across the first and second floor.
The redevelopment is being proposed by Monopoly Properties NW Ltd, who is also involved in the acquisition and redevelopment of the Metro Cinema on Old Street.
“The application is one of a series of projects being undertaken in Ashton town centre by the applicant who has invested heavily in the town,” the heritage report states.
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“The property is vacant, somewhat tired and requires investment to meet current expectations and enable a more positive impact on the surrounding area.”
The flats would be accessed from an entrance on Old Street, and split between one two-bed and two three-bed properties.
The applicant states these would comprise of ‘generous living accommodation and will be finished to a high standard with a duplex warehouse style’.
An entrance to the bar and restaurant proposed downstairs would come through the existing door on the corner of Market Avenue and Old Street.
Outside seating on part of the pavement of Market Avenue is also proposed under fabric retractable canopies.
The restaurant would be open from 10am to 2am Monday to Sunday, and the outside area open until 11pm, according to the planning documents.
Monopoly Properties states it anticipates that the premises will employ six full-time staff and 12 part-time staff.
“The proposal will contribute to the food/drink and leisure offer in Ashton Town Centre,” the support statement adds.
“It will provide an additional venue for people to meet and socialise, whilst active use of the application floorspace will add vitality to the area and minimise the opportunities for antisocial behaviour and crime, whilst increasing passive surveillance.
“The proposal will also contribute to footfall in the town centre which may benefit other existing local businesses. The proposed apartments will contribute to meeting housing need in the borough and providing accommodation in a sustainable and accessible location.”
A decision is expected by Tameside’s planning authority on the application by August.
