A property development company is set to apply for planning permission for a major refurbishment of the 120-year-old Barclays bank in Alderley Edge.
Abode Residencies, which provides student accommodation,
plans to set up its headquarters at the distinctive property in London Road purchased the three-storey grade II-listed site – which had been vacant since 2022 – after securing funding from Cheadle-based property lender Together.
A previous application to convert the historic premises into flats was withdrawn last year and new proposals are being prepared which will see internal alterations to convert the former bank into high-tech energy efficient offices.
Ashley Ladson, the group's founder and CEO, said the renovation should be complete in July 2025, subject to planning approval.
He said: "It is a beautiful building – probably the most recognisable building in Alderley Edge centre – and will make the perfect headquarters for the Abode group.
"The façade speaks for itself with local red sandstone and ornate carvings. Inside there is old paneling and cornicing, four-metre high ceilings and stained glass windows which are great original
features that we will want to preserve.
"Effectively, we're planning to extend the top floor into the attic space, making it two-storey in height with a mezzanine floor connecting to an outdoor roof garden.
"The ground and first floor will have a neo classical design with a mix of wood-paneled and glass partition walls, a feature marble bar with tea and coffee-making facilities and break-out rooms with
so people can come in for meetings in really impressive surroundings.
"When it's completed it will have a feel of boutique hotel meets high-end offices."
The property has a ground-floor banking hall, a strong room in the basement and offices on the upper floors – as well as the village clock on the side of the building. Designed by renowned Manchester architect Sir Percy Worthington the building opened as the Union Bank in 1904. Barclays closed the branch in 2022.
Photo: (L-R) Ashley Ladson, founder and CEO of Abode Residencies and Ritchie Watson Corporate Lending Director at Together.
