AN old bank is to unlock a bright new future as part of the redevelopment of a town centre.
Niven Architects have drawn up plans to convert the former Lloyds Bank in Middlesbrough into high quality student accommodation.
The ground floor of the five-storey building, on the corner of Albert Road and Grange Road, may also be converted for leisure use, possibly a bar.
Regional practice Niven Architects, of Darlington, are working with Atha Developments as the spotlight falls on an area of Middlesbrough ripe for redevelopment.
Built in the 1980s, the bank and office building has been empty for some time. The upper storeys would become 51 student studio apartments and eight one-bedroom flats featuring high quality fittings designed to appeal to and attract overseas students to nearby Teesside University.
The quarter is currently being considered for redevelopment including bars and restaurants to breathe new life into the Albert Road area.
Niven senior architect Stu Kent said: “The bank development, currently with planners, would fit perfectly with the overall development ideas acting as a gateway to the new leisure quarter.
“Atha Developments have toured a great deal of student accommodation in the country and appreciate the quality that is now required by discerning students, particularly from abroad.”
The dated exterior of the building will be brought up to date with a fresh fascia and enlarged windows in a major milestone in the regeneration of the area, close to the law courts, MIMA, shops, the town centre, bus and train stations.
As well as the studio apartments and flats, the student accommodation scheme would also provide a central communal area on each floor for facilities such as TV and dining rooms.
Mr Kent said: “The whole area really is on the cusp of becoming something great for Middlesbrough and we are delighted to be playing an integral part in this process.”