News / gloucester road
Historic former bank could be demolished
A former bank could be completely demolished despite recently approved plans to retain its façade.
Permission was granted in May 2023 to restore the building on the corner of Gloucester Road and Longmead Avenue, with approval for nine flats on the upper floors and roof space, and a cafe on the ground floor.
The site is now a shell, however, with no windows or roof; as residents fear that it has been left to the elements to damage the historic Edwardian building to such an extent that there is no other option but demolition.
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When the building was for sale, Alder King said that it was “built around the turn of the last century… of traditional masonry construction with ashlar stone and brickwork elevations”.
248 Gloucester Road – between the Golden Lion pub and Sainsbury’s – was originally the National Provincial & Union Bank before becoming NatWest and was Randstad before becoming vacant for more than a decade during which time it was squatted.
248 Gloucester Road in 2008 when it was a Randstad – photo: Google
The building is currently covered up but missing its roof and windows – photo: Martin Booth
Local residents have been vociferous in their opposition to the new plans to demolish the former bank and are also angry at the proposed scale of the building that could replace it.
One objection says: “The existing building proposed for demolition provides a visual reminder of Gloucester Road’s cultural heritage and the people, businesses and industries that played a pivotal role in establishing the area into something which we all love and enjoy living in today.
“The decision to demolish the existing structure and replace with a characterless shoebox façade will strongly contrast to surrounding architecture in the Gloucester Road area.
“The design of the new premises should re-implement the pre-existing structure in its planning application, because knocking it down does NOTHING for preserving cultural heritage in the area.”
Another objection reads: “The plans for the new building are hideous and devoid of any of its previous character.
“The style will age quickly and is, in my opinion, in a contradictory vernacular to the surrounding buildings.”
And another says: “For reason of historical value and environmental sustainability, every effort should be made to conserve the exterior of this building.”
A previously approved plan would have been to restore the former bank – image: Nicholas Morley Architects
The proposed new building is three storeys taller than the former bank – image: Nicholas Morley Architects
On Bristol City Council’s planning portal, the applicant for demolishing the building is given as Omid Jalil of J Investment of 62 West Street in St Philip’s.
The agent for the application is Warmley-based Nicholas Morley Architects. Bristol24/7 has contacted Morley for comment.
Squatters occupied the building in 2021 before being evicted – photo: Martin Booth
Main photo: Know Your Place
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