THE former NatWest building in Blandford Forum could have a new lease of life under new plans.
Blandford Revival Limited has submitted plans for 23 and 25 Market Place, which would see the former bank building split into two commercial units.
NatWest closed its doors in August 2023, and the building has been vacant since, the plans state.
The plans would see the ground and first floor of the building subdivided to create a commercial unit in one half – which has the potential to be a café in the future – and an accountancy office in the other, with existing accommodation to be retained on the floors above.
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The accountancy office will be occupied by Harney & Co, a long-established professional accountancy firm in Blandford which currently occupies the first and second floor offices at the adjoining 21 Market Place.
“The detailed fit-out of a future delicatessen/café/restaurant will follow in a future application with details of any ventilation flues, noise and aroma attenuation,” a spokesperson said.
The applicant said they believe the plans would make a “positive and sympathetic contribution to the listed building, conservation area and viability of the town centre.”
They said car parking spaces can be found at the rear of the site which is currently unofficially used for the residential properties, but these spaces have been dedicated for the use of the commercial business.
A new entrance door into number 23 has also been proposed, as well as the replacement of two existing doors on the street frontage with partially glazed infill to match the other shopfront glazing.
In September of last year, your New Blackmore Vale reported on an idea to create a hub for small businesses at the site, with businesses banding together to cover the rent of the building and give residents a one-stop shop to support businesses and increase footfall in the town.
The person behind the plan, Sarah Damon of The Old Grainstore Emporium, said the hub would look to curb the spate of recent business closures in the town.
Comments on the plan can be received by June 7. To view the plans in full and to comment, search reference P/LBC/2025/02464 on the planning section of Dorset Council’s website.
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