Ryde Town Council has lodged a planning application to overhaul the exterior of the former Natwest bank in St Thomas Square, aiming to revitalise the 1960s landmark with a fresh new look and improved access, while preserving its architectural significance.
The building, a rare example of modernist concrete design within the Ryde conservation area, is set to receive a facelift using ivory and charcoal coloured cork render and denim-coloured blue window frames. The sustainable finish is designed to boost energy efficiency and blend more harmoniously with its Georgian and Victorian neighbours.
The former bank, which closed in August 2023 following NatWest’s announcement earlier that March, was purchased by Ryde Town Council in 2024 for just over £420,000. While it was initially stated that the acquisition would be supported by Ryde Neighbourhood Board funding, that money will not be available until at least April 2026. Instead, the purchase has been financed through the Public Works Loan Board.
It was also said that Ryde Town Council would relocate from its Lind Street offices, in a bid to save money. But this is yet to happen…
As part of the planning application submitted to the Isle of Wight Council, the deteriorating metal canopy at the front of the building will be re-clad in timber, and the existing signage reading ’11 St Thomas Street’ will be replaced with “Ryde Town Council’.
A new side door will be added along Crown Street, and additional doors are proposed at lower basement level.
Accessibility is also a key feature of the proposals. A new staircase from Lind Street will provide safer pedestrian access to the lower ground floor, removing reliance on the steep vehicular ramp currently in place.
The heritage statement supporting the application acknowledges the building’s longstanding communal use and its architectural importance as a 1960s structure. Despite its stark contrast to the surrounding historic streetscape, it is seen as a significant part of Ryde’s evolving urban identity.
It needs flattening, a revolting eyesore.
I agree.
It wasn’t “just” over £420,000, it was a whopping £420,000, borrowed over 25 years with interest to be paid over that time, financed by the rate payers, so the total cost will be much more in the end, how much I can’t imagine.
Are the Lind street offices owned or rented by the council?
The article doesn’t actually say that the council will be re locating into the old NatWest building but I am assuming that is the case. Can anyone confirm?
Yet another utter waste of taxpayers money, just an ego project
I know it is a novel idea but what about reinstating the childrens water play area at the end of the canoe lake, you know use our money for something which will bring pleasure for a change.
I am certain this Council are anti-tourism
I am surprised it was not turned into a pay
to use toilet.
Hope this isn’t one of the 1960s concrete buildings that has inherent, expensive maintenance costs. Better check that adding an Ivory Tower will be ok.
More wasted money by the Very expensive Ryde Town council.
Considering when it was built, and when building control was less strict, has anyone thought that the building may still contain asbestos? If it does, then to bring it up to safety standards, it will cost the taxpayer a significant amount of money, as removing and disposing of asbestos safely can be expensive.