Former bank in Troon to be turned into a restaurant
Plans to transform the former Bank of Scotland branch in Troon’s Templehill into a restaurant have been approved.
The vacant space on the first floor of the building has been earmarked for as many as four holiday let apartments.
The proposals were submitted to South Ayrshire Council for review by Wood Walsh Holdings Ltd and the agents in the plans were Donna Kennedy Architecture and Design.
A planning and design statement says: “The applicant seeks to convert 8 Templehill, Troon, the former Bank of Scotland building, to a restaurant with serviced accommodation on the first floor.
“The vacant property has a prominent location within the Troon Conservation area and is a suitable location for the proposed use.
Troon is a tourist town and an ‘inn’ type arrangement at this location would allow additional desirable dining and accommodation within the town centre.
“The introduction of the restaurant, coupled with tourist accommodation, will attract people right to the heart of Troon town centre, bringing life back to this currently vacant building.”
In approving the application, council papers said there was“no significant adverse impact” on the amenity of neighbouring land and buildings.
The former Bank of Scotland branch was the last remaining high street bank in the Ayrshire town.
It closed its doors for the final time in September 2022.
It was one of 19 Scottish branches to be axed by parent company, the Lloyds Banking Group, in what was a cost-cutting exercise.
They blamed the closure on changing consumer habits and the rise in internet banking.
The Post reported in March 2022 and the revelation was met with dismay in the local community. Since then, a new banking hub has opened in Ayr Street to help soften the blow.
It’s a shared banking space which offers a counter service operated by the Post Office, where customers of all major banks and building societies can carry out regular cash transactions.