THE FUTURE of Evesham’s iconic Round House is still unclear as of this week following the announcement by NatWest on Tuesday that it will finally close its doors on August 25.
The iconic 15th Century building, which has been hidden away under wraps and scaffolding since 2020, is in the final throes of a major restoration project that includes repairs to its external historic timber facade, re-roofing, and new drainage.
Three members of staff are affected by the closure of the branch but no compulsory redundancies have been made.
View of NatWest from Bridge Street.
NatWest announced its plans to close the branch which is housed in the Grade 1 listed building last June citing a 55 per cent drop in counter transactions since 2020.
It has pledged to hand over the half-timbered structure to an organisation which could preserve it as a heritage asset for the town and has been in dialogue with various bodies. As yet, a new owner has not been found.
It is understood that the scaffolding and protective wrap will be coming down in June, much to the relief of many, including Mick Hurst, director of the Battle of Evesham events who has firmly backed the decision to find a community owner.
NatWest bank from Market Square. Pictures by Marcus Mingins 1526003MMR
Mick, who was named the Visit England national Tourism Superstar 2026 last month, is behind a drive to turn Evesham into an historic tourism destination.
He said: “I wholeheartedly welcome Natwest’s commitment to restoring this landmark building, however, hiding Evesham’s premier medieval landmark behind a wall of ugly white covers has been a disaster for tourism.
“For over half a decade, scaffolding has scarred our market place, stifled our tourist appeal, been a backdrop to markets and ruined every civic photo.
“When the shrouds finally come down, we cannot afford a missed opportunity.
“This building must be reimagined as a tourism hub that breathes life back into our town centre alongside the Abbey and Almonry Museum.”
The Observer also understands the district council has ruled itself out of taking on the ownership given its other financial commitments with the Riverside Shopping Centre and local government reorganisation on the horizon.
A spokesperson from NatWest said the bank had a long and proud history in supporting customers, the community and businesses across Evesham from its historic base at Market Square.
They have confirmed that customers can continue to access banking services locally through Post Offices as well as cash via ATMs. A pop-up community hub will operate for up to 12 weeks following the closure.
“Our priority is to ensure customers, particularly those who are older or in vulnerable circumstances, are supported through the transition.
“We will be working with local charities, community leaders and organisations to find a purposeful use for the refurbished building and encourage anyone who has ideas or interest in future uses for the site to get in touch,” they added.
The Round House was built 568 years ago during the reign of Henry VI in the late Middle Ages.
It is classified as a building of ‘exceptional interest’ by Historic England.
Further information about pop-up services will be available in the branch in the coming weeks and online.
Anyone who has any thoughts about on who could take over ownership is asked to pop into the branch and speak to a member of staff.
