Former NatWest building in village with no banks to be turned into luxury flats
A former NatWest building in Uppermill, Saddleworth, will be converted into six luxury apartments after standing vacant for eight years. The development, approved despite local objections, aims to preserve the building's façade while adding modern elements. The closure of NatWest in 2017 left the village without a bank, and some locals expressed concerns over the loss of commercial space and parking issues.
Former NatWest Bank in Uppermill to Become Luxury Apartments After Standing Empty for Eight Years
The vacant NatWest building on Uppermill’s High Street will be transformed into six luxury apartments after developers secured planning permission for the conversion. WSP received approval to convert the property at 55 High Street into three one-bedroom and three two-bedroom ‘spacious and contemporary’ apartments, complete with a glass-fronted roof extension offering views over Uppermill Park.
The bank, which was Uppermill’s only banking facility until its closure in 2017, has stood empty for nearly eight years. WSP agent Laura Miller described the vacant building as having a ‘detrimental effect on the character of the attractive surrounding area.’ While the development will preserve the building’s original façade, the conversion comes despite six objections from local residents and businesses.
Local businesses expressed concern about losing commercial space on the village high street, with one warning: ‘If commercial units are being turned into full residential properties then this will ultimately lead to the demise of the High Street.’ The developer revealed they had considered alternative uses including a hotel, restaurant or bar, but found these options unviable. Parking issues and potential impact on the conservation area were also raised, though one resident countered: ‘I don’t think this gorgeous building should be left in a state of disrepair simply due to parking concerns.’
The developer has three years to begin the conversion, which they argue will ‘help secure the long-term future use of a non-designated heritage asset and provide new homes for the local community.’ Planning permission was granted with conditions including waste management plans, approved building materials, and completion of basement cycle storage before occupancy.
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