Go ahead for co-living units to be created across five storeys above Peterborough city centre bank
Plans to convert the upper floors of a major bank in Peterborough city centre into a range of living units have been given the green light.
Barclays Bank has just secured approval for its change of use application to transform the upper floors of its branch in Church Street into 114 so-called living units with associated communal facilities.
The co-living units, which are designed for single occupancy, and the communal facilities are to be distributed across five storeys of the building.
The residential units will have access to facilities including kitchens, social spaces, library and reading areas and laundry benefits.
A cinema room and large communal areas will also be available.
However, the bank intends to continue to use the ground floor and basement for commercial purposes.
The development will also feature a number of side and rear extensions to the upper storeys to create useable floor space for future occupants.
Details submitted to Peterborough City Council state: “A series of external alterations are proposed to improve the appearance of the building.
It adds: “The proposal would improve the visual amenity of the area through sensitive extensions and alterations to the external appearance, protect cathedral views, preserve the setting of nearby heritage assets and continue to provide ground floor retail use.”
Planners were also told that there would not be any provision for external car parking.
However, areas of soft landscaping are also to be created that will improve the appearance of a rear courtyard area.
Councillors were told: “The soft landscaping will create a welcoming thoroughfare for passing pedestrians and cyclists with the retention of the existing walkway between the site and Pizza Express.
A report to councillors adds: “It is considered that the proposal would positively contribute to the character and local distinction of the area through the regeneration of an underutilised site within the city centre.
"The proposal would provide a refreshed appearance and scale in keeping with the surrounding context and the growth agenda for the city centre.”