WHAT to do with the Round House? That is the question town councillor Mark Goodge has posed to people living and working in Evesham.
NatWest announced its plan in June to close the branch next year citing a 55 per cent drop in counter transactions since 2020.
The iconic 15th Century building, currently hidden away under wraps and scaffolding, is undergoing a major restoration project which the banking group has committed to finish before any closure takes place.
At the time, regional director for Natwest, Dipesh Mistry said it would be working with the senior leadership of Wychavon District Council to develop a long-term plan for this building, which they recognise plays a “critical role in the local community.”
Posting on Facebook on Tuesday, Coun Goodge, who is also a district councillor and chairman of Wychavon, asked for people’s thoughts.
He said: “There are not any definite plans for the building but NatWest has indicated that they would be prepared to consider transferring it to an organisation which could preserve it as a heritage asset for the town.
He added that there would be little or no scope for alterations to the Grade 1-Listed building on Bridge Street and ongoing maintenance costs were likely to be significant.
When approached for further comment he told the Observer: “Councillors and officers have been in contact with NatWest but no decisions have been made yet on the future of the building and there’s a long way to go before they are made.”
“I want to gauge public opinion on its future so that we can feed that back into more detailed discussions. Whatever happens to it, I want it to be used for something that will benefit the people of the town.”
So far suggestions have included turning it into a heritage centre and donating it to the National Trust.
Email [email protected] to share your views.
