Historic building could be veterans’ new home for training and learning
A HISTORIC former bank from Accrington’s ‘golden age’ could be transformed into training and learning centre for armed forces veterans.
New proposals have been submitted to convert the empty Victorian building, on the corner of the town’s Eagle Street and Cannon Street, which was later used as council offices.
The new centre would also have 20 bedrooms, communal areas and an on-site warden.
The new application for planning permission to Hyndburn Council on behalf of Duncan McDonald of DRM Ltd replaces a previous one in April last year which was withdrawn in September.
The building was constructed in 1867 as the Manchester & Liverpool District Bank - the first in Accrington.
Hyndburn council leader Coun Miles Parkinson welcomed the possibility of bringing back into use a ‘problematic’ building.
The Grade II-listed building is still in the ownership of Hyndburn Council which in 1988 doubled the floor area with a rear extension.
Agent Steven Hartley, of Hartley Planning and
Development Associates Ltd, said: “The former bank has in more recent times been used for a variety of community uses.
“The proposed development involves the change to a training and learning centre.
“Once the building has been converted we will have various volunteer tradesmen who will be willing to give their time to help train the veterans to acquire a skill which is best suited to their needs, enabling them to find work and a purpose in life together with independent living beyond and outside the training centre.
“The proposed bedrooms, while providing accommodation, are not the central or main purpose of the proposal.
“The historic elements of the building are not to be generally altered. The proposed change will have a neutral impact on the listed building, nevertheless bringing it back into use for a social purpose.
“The proposed development is being heavily supported by charitable and other organisations.”
Hyndburn council’s conservation officer David Morris, said: “The 1850s to the 1930s was
Accrington’s golden age of architecture.
“Today, Accrington has the most architecturally coherent and beautiful Victorian centre of East Lancashire.
“The Eagle Street bank was designed in the Venetian Gothic style, possibly by Alfred Waterhouse - the architect of Manchester Town Hall and Natural History Museum, London. “
Coun Parkinson said:
“It has long been the aspiration of the council to bring this problematic building back into use.
“At first site this seems a suitable use for it as training will become increasingly important to develop skills. It is particularly valuable to armed force veterans.”