Bank site owner ‘could fill units tomorrow’

THE owner of the former NatWest bank in Penistone has said he could fill the unit ‘tomorrow’ following concerns from local councillors about the site’s proposed use.

The former bank on Market Street closed in 2018 and, despite numerous planning applications to change the use of the site in a bid to improve the area’s infrastructure, it has remained vacant.

Earlier this month, a planning application was submitted to change the site into five new retail units.

This sparked concern among Couns Hannah Kitching and Mandy Lowe Flello, who said they are worried about the way five more units would benefit the area – and called it a ‘shame’ the site had not become a drinking establishment, despite planning permission being granted.

They said: “We all know that High Street retail has been on the decline for many years, exacerbated by an increased reliance on internet shopping during the Covid pandemic. While we have some wonderful and well-used independent shops on our High Street, we do have concerns about how a further five retail units will be filled in a way that benefits the town.

“The last thing we need is more empty retail units.”

But Will Rodgers, who owns the site and numerous other buildings across Penistone, says he could fill the unit tomorrow if needed. He told the Chronicle: “We bought the NatWest unit four years ago at auction with the intention of turning it into a drinking establishment.

“We applied for a change of use to a bar and we got that.

“Since that time, we’ve opened two other establishments in Penistone – Vault Bistro and the New Inn.

“We’ve invested heavily to help the area and get Penistone nightlife back to what it used to be.

“We’ve got some of the main drinking establishments in Penistone – there’s only three that aren’t ours.

“The industry as a whole is having a bad time. It’s because of that risk that the NatWest building hasn’t been turned into a bar.”

Will says the reason they’re instead turning it into five retail units is to benefit the High Street.

“What we didn’t want to happen has happened – the industry is struggling,” he added. “Rather than trying to get one person to come in, we’ve decided it would be served best by other local shop units coming in.

“The reason why we’ve done this is to help benefit the High Street. I get a phone call at least once a week asking for units. I could fill it tomorrow – there’s huge interest.”

Will says there’s plans to convert other buildings in the area, too – as well as the former HSBC bank which is also under his ownership.

“All anyone is asking for in Penistone is more shop units – we want to provide that,” he said.

“When we’ve completed Natwest, then we’ll move onto the HSBC building.

“We’re looking to provide another six or seven high street shops – there’s no demand for night life.”