A HISTORIC building which was home to the former Barclays Bank in Dovercourt is set to be turned into more apartments. 

The bank building, in Kingsway, closed to the public in 2017 after a century in the town. 

It was converted into housing after plans were approved in 2021, but a new bid has now been unveiled to remodel the building.

If approved, four flats in the ground floor of the building, which is currently home to three apartments, could be constructed, with each unit containing a combined living, dining and kitchen area, a bedroom and shower room. 

Harwich and Manningtree Standard: Space - the four new residential units will be (metres squared) 50.19, 50.3, 51.01, and 54.27 eachSpace - the four new residential units will be (metres squared) 50.19, 50.3, 51.01, and 54.27 each (Image: Google Maps)

As the property is in the Dovercourt Conservation Area – with Grade II listed Kingsway Hall and Harwich Library opposite the site – the proposal said there would only be “minimal changes” to “keep and preserve the character of the building”.

This also means that any more “proposed external materials”, if used, would also match the existing building and the “current street scene”.

However, the former bank itself is not statutorily listed.

Harwich and Manningtree Standard: Update - The building which is now three residential units will be transformed into four units with extra lighting and ventilation Update - The building which is now three residential units will be transformed into four units with extra lighting and ventilation (Image: Google Maps)

Within the proposal, parking was described as “minor” with parking restrictions in place along Hordle Street as well as parking being prevented to the front of the site on Kingsway from 9am to 6pm Monday to Saturdays.

However, the proposal also said there was plenty of public transport in the form of buses and trains nearby with many amenities within walking distance. 

A new access to the property will be made from the rear of Hordle Street but the existing access to this property, would remain “for the use of unit two as a second access”.

Harwich and Manningtree Standard: Character - The proposal said they would only do minimal changes to the building's exterior to keep the former bank's characterCharacter - The proposal said they would only do minimal changes to the building's exterior to keep the former bank's character (Image: Google Maps)

Barclays closed its doors in September 2017. 

At the time the bank said the decision was a result of an increasing trend in online banking with customer usage at the Dovercourt branch declining.

Speaking when it was announced Garry Calver, Harwich town councillor, said: “It’s a great concern we are losing another bank from Dovercourt town centre. 

"It certainly is not good news for the town.”

The nearest Barclays was ten miles away in Manningtree but its branch closed in June last year. 

The firm now runs ‘Barclays Local’ site from the Foundry Court Community Centre for three days a week on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.

Tendring Council will have the final say on the plans.