Derelict former bank could become cornershop and hotel
A former town centre bank which has been empty for four years could be transformed
A former town centre bank which has been empty for four years could be transformed into a shop and hotel.
Plans have been lodged to convert the upper floors of the old HSBC building in Biggin Street, Dover, into self-service accommodation, while the ground floor would be turned into a retail unit.
The application, submitted on June 25, proposes changing the use of the first and second floors – previously used as office space – into a 12-room hotel.
The prominent building, easily recognisable on the town’s main shopping street, was home to the HSBC branch until it closed on January 5, 2021. It has remained vacant since.
Planning documents submitted to Dover District Council (DDC) show each hotel room would have en-suite facilities, with a small staff area also included.
The applicant is listed as Mr P Singh, and the scheme is being overseen by London-based AH Architecture.
“We are just looking to do internal changes without any changes to the external façade,” said planning agent Asim Hussain.
“The top floor would be used as a hotel – self-service accommodation.
“The ground floor would be a retail unit. They’re looking to open a convenience store. They already have a couple in Dover.”
Mr Hussain said the original plan had been to rent out the property for office use, but that was no longer commercially viable.
“At the moment, it’s not viable for any use,” he said.
“Unfortunately, I don’t think there are any businesses out there willing to take it on as an office, so from a viability perspective, this is the only decent option."
“To do flats is too many internal alterations and changes."
“The way we’ve designed it is to basically minimise removing any internal load-bearing walls.”
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So far, one objection has been submitted on the council’s planning portal.
Mrs D Hagerty raised concerns about accessibility, writing: “Public accommodation is arranged on two upper floors but the plans do not appear to show a lift."
“How does this comply with arrangements for people with disabilities?”
A decision is yet to be made by DDC, but a deadline of September 26 has been set.