The former Lloyds Bank Grade II listed building in Swanage, Dorset, has been granted planning permission to turn the upstairs offices into flats, with the plan to reinstate the doorway that housed the old cashpoint.
While the change of use for the upper levels of the bank in the High Street has been agreed, its currently proposed the Victorian banking hall on the ground floor will be retained as commercial premises.
The Swanage branch of Lloyds Bank closed in 2022 and has since remained vacant
Closure ended 126 years of history
Originally built in 1896, this was the last bank to close in Swanage, finally closing its doors on Friday 16th September 2022, ending Lloyds Bank’s 126 history in the town.
The cashpoint was removed shortly after the closure and the hole blocked up but now there’s a second planning application by the new owners to reinstate it as a doorway and restore the building’s architectural symmetry.
It’s proposed to create a new door to the left of the building that will match the main wooden door on the right. This new door will lead to a reinstated staircase which will go upstairs to the flats.
The doorway blocked up after the removal of the cash machine and the Portland stone facade in need of a clean in May 2025
The cashpoint was installed in 2006
Lloyds Bank in 1985 with the door on the left still in situ
“Cavernous former walk-in safe”
In the documents supporting the application, the planning consultants Pure Town Planning stated:
“The reinstatement of the historic timber doors which were removed to install an ATM machine under the previous use of the building as a bank would also not be objected to, we understand.
“The applicant understands that the property still retains much of its historic interior (especially on the upper floors), in terms of its historic plan form, principal staircase, deep skirting boards, decorative coving, panelled doors (with ironmongery), fireplace, decorative plaster ceilings (to the ground floor banking hall and entrance way) etc. As well as of course the cavernous former walk-in safe.”
The plans for the reinstatement of the matching door
Invention of the cash machine
In the bank’s hey day before computers around 20 people were employed at the Swanage branch.
However with the invention of the cash machine, less staff were required.
Initially there was a cash machine installed in the lobby, behind the door to the left of the building but then planning permission was granted in 2006 to block up the doorway and insert the ATM into the wall.
Towards the back of the bank is the large walk-in safe, which was much used in the days before online banking when cash was king!
“Glass backed with white plastic”
There was resistance to the bank’s original plan. The planning officer’s report in 2006 states:
“Originally, it was proposed to infill the arcade with glass backed with white plastic. It was felt that this would not be sympathetic to the fabric and character of the listed building and its setting in the conservation area.
“The applicant has agreed that the arcade will be in-filled in stone to match the existing.”
The original counter in the Swanage branch was positioned further out into the banking hall
On the last day of trading, the banking hall retained its ornate plaster ceiling and original pillars
Potential for unique business premises
Now 19 years later, the cash machine and bank branch has gone and it looks likely that the original doorway will be reinstated.
It’s not known what the plans are for the original banking hall on the ground floor.
There is currently a For Let sign on the building. Anyone who thinks they can make good use of a huge walk in safe, should apply!
Further information
- Planning application approved to change upstairs offices into flats
- Planning application to reinstate original staircase and door
