Bank could be turned into new food outlet

Plans to convert a town centre bank into a café or restaurant have been drawn up.

The Oakgate Group, which owns St Mark’s Place, has submitted a planning application that would allow the building occupied by Barclays Bank in Newark Market Place to be converted into one or two food outlets.

Barclays’ lease ends at the end of next year. The bank said it did not intend to leave the town.

Alison Stewart, from Oakgate Group, said: “The bank operates hours that are quite restrictive. This is an opportunity to look into other options.

“We own all of St Mark’s Place and are big investors in the town centre. We are looking for the opportunity to revitalise that area.

“We are making Newark a better place for shopping, eating and leisure.”

A Barclays spokesman said: “The current lease expires in December 2014. We can’t confirm our plans beyond this date as discussions are ongoing with the landlord.

“Newark is a key branch in the area for Barclays. We don’t plan to leave the town.”

If the plans are approved by Newark and Sherwood District Council, the bank could be converted into retail units, a restaurant or a café.

The application said: “Barclays under-trade by 18 hours a week compared with other retail outlets, 25 hours less than major coffee retailers and 40 to 45 hours less than most major restaurants.

“There is an increasing trend to reduce bank and building society high street branch numbers, size and opening hours.

“This is an opportunity to reintroduce a quality food-based retail experience into the heart of Newark that would increase the activity and vitality of the Market Place and the Saracen’s Head Yard.”

The application was questioned by Newark Town Council’s planning committee, which opposed using the building as a restaurant. It said there were no grounds to oppose retail use, but it was not sure of the reasoning behind the change.

Town clerk Mr Alan Mellor understood the first floor would be changed, with the bank remaining on the ground floor.

Mr Tony Roberts said: “It is a retail unit and the nature of banking has changed, but I am surprised they want to create more retail units given the problems they have filling existing ones.”

Mr Irene Brown was concerned more shops could affect market stall holders, who had supported the Market Place for many years.