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The former Lloyds Bank building in St Martins could now be redeveloped into key worker housing following a new planning application which proposes 14 studio apartments be built there.
It had recently been suggested the premises on La Grande Rue be re-classified from office use to “non-residential medical or healthcare service, as a creche or children’s day nursery or as a day centre”.
Now, the property's local freeholders, Esher Investments Limited is instead working on plans to convert the building for residential use.
Pictured: Just two weeks ago the owners were given permission for the former Lloyds Bank to be re-classified for use for childcare.
Esher Investments is working with Create Ltd on the latest planning application which proposes using the entire building in the redevelopment into key-worker housing, as well as a former garage on the site.
The basement and vaults would be re-developed into storage for the future occupants.
Esher and Create said: "The proposed conversion will create 14 studio residential apartments designed to meet the island’s much publicised high demand for key-worker accommodation. It will not entail construction of any new buildings."
Pictured: The architects impression of one of the studio apartments proposed to be created at the former Lloyds Bank in St Martin's.
The 14 studio apartments would comprise one main room for eating, living and sleeping if permission is given.
A studio apartment, also known as a studio flat, self-contained apartment, efficiency apartment, bed-sitter, or bachelor apartment, is a small dwelling in which the normal functions of a number of rooms – often the living room, bedroom, and kitchen – are combined into a single room - Wikipedia
Of the 14 studio apartments proposed for the site, 13 would be created within the bank itself, and one in the existing double garage in the grounds of the property.
Pictured: The proposed garage conversion would offer studio living accommodation for one key-worker if approved.
Residential accommodation needs to cover a minimum statutory unit size of 30 sq.m.
The proposed units in this application range in size up to 43.28 sq.m with the 13 units planned for the main building also having use of the "generous dry-basement storeroom" and "ample on-site parking".
The fourteenth unit would have "amenity space and store" too.
Pictured: The front of the site would offer "amenity" space for residents.
As well as the car parking already available on the site, there will be bicycle parking for residents and visitors within the front forecourt area along with outdoor seating.
Ricky Mahy of Create has worked as the Principal Scheme Architect and provided the images shared above and below.
“The application represents the private sector working to assist with a problem currently reliant on the public purse," he said.
"These are small, carefully formed apartments, highly efficient and sustainable with re- use of existing building.
"They can be delivered quickly with a low-carbon footprint. High quality internal specifications will help make it innovative and progressive."
Pictured: An AI image of what one of the bedrooms could look like.
Mr Mahy said although this is a private sector scheme, they would be interested in working with the States or the Guernsey Housing Association on it.
"The application addresses key-worker accommodation problems which will relieve pressure on long-term Local Market housing; the units are expected to be for rent.
"Whilst currently a private sector scheme, we welcome engagement with any of The States agencies in need of key-worker accommodation,” he said.
Savills are instructed as the scheme commercial property consultants and agents.
Pictured: Lloyds still has a presence in Guernsey - in town and at the Bridge - but its St Martin's branch closed last year.
The bank was built in around the 1970s and already has two externally accessed local market 2-bedroom flats at the first floor.
Inside the main building is a banking hall, first and second floor office rooms plus staff toilets. The basement is accessed internally with the banking vault inside.
Lloyds still hold the lease for the building until early next year but the bank closed its St Martin's services last year and previous planning applications suggest no other business has wanted to take the facility on as it is.
The building is currently classified as for Financial and Professional Services (Use Class 15) but it has recently been granted permission for conversion into Administrative Offices (Use Class 16) and Public Amenity (Use Class 18) - namely childcare, health or medical.
Mr Mahy said the building's owners, Esher, are keeping their options open.
"The client is now seeking to convert the building into key worker housing units with their latest planning application. The client, Esher investments Ltd has recently received approval for the other uses which opens up options for how the building could be utilised."
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