Plans to ‘decommission’ bank put to council
PLANS to “decommission” the old Barclays Bank at 1-3 King Street in
South Shields have been put forward.
The application was sent to South Tyneside Council’s planning department regarding the famous Grade IIlisted building located in the town centre.
As the bank is ready to move to a new location at 64-66 King Street, formerly Burton store, the branch at 1-3 King Street was due to close yesterday.
Now on the property market for £375,000, the plan includes removing signage, external lights and cash machines while sealing letter boxes and infilling spaces with stonework in line with the existing design.
Plans also involve taking out an alarm box as well as night safe, and internally, Barclays fittings, cashier counters and furniture will be removed.
All this information is detailed in a design and access statement submitted to the council.
It also mentions that alterations to the bank hall are limited to its initial public space.
“The existing fixtures [and] counters, which are to be removed, are themselves modern.”
“The original building fabric will not be altered, removed, or concealed.
“All existing original features will not be affected by the proposed works.”
“The proposed works are intended to return the building to pre-Barclays occupation as much as it is possible preserving the listed building status”.
The bank building’s listing on Historic England’s website states it dates back to 1909 and was designed by J H Morton Architect.
The site is also described as a “good example of early C20 ‘Bankers Classical’ in South Shields in a prominent position”.
A decision on proposed works will be made once a period of council consultation has concluded. Comments can be made via South Tyneside Council’s planning portal website.