Plans submitted as part of multi-million-pound town centre regeneration

Plans have been submitted to bring an historic town centre building back into use in a way that enhances its original Georgian features as part of the £40m project to transform the heart of Tamworth.

Refurbishment of the late 18th century building at 12-13 Market Street is a key element of the regeneration of Tamworth town centre. Once brought back into use, it is intended that Nationwide Building Society will relocate into these premises from its current location directly opposite.

This would allow for the demolition of the more modern existing Nationwide building to create a new wider access to the Castle Pleasure Grounds across the Castle Gatehouse. It would also open up views of the ancient herringbone castle wall – said to be one of the finest examples of Norman herringbone masonry in the country - and adjacent Grade II listed buildings.

12-13 Market Street – most recently used as the Peel Café and restaurant – has been vacant for several years and work is needed to restore the building in a way that is more in keeping with its Georgian heritage.

Refurbishment plans have been submitted to Tamworth Borough Council by an external planning agency and are due to be considered by members of the council’s planning committee in June.

The application can be read in full by searching the planning portal on the Tamworth Borough Council website, using the reference number 0222/2022.

In summary, the application aims to bring the locally listed building back into use in a way that maintains its historical contribution to the town centre, while enabling it to meet current and future needs.

The current shop front is not original, and the plans therefore propose replacing this with a new façade and windows that will reinstate the original features of the building with a design that is more in keeping with the building’s heritage, and in accordance with the special design requirements for shopfronts in historic areas.

In addition to the new conservation style shopfront, the plans propose a modified entrance to allow level access and preparation for the installation of an ATM.

It is also proposed to demolish a 20th century single-storey rear extension at the back of the building and replace it with a new single-storey extension. This would increase the ceiling height and bring the building on to one level (currently the extension is accessed via internal steps). The extension would be wider across the back, but shorter in length, allowing the creation of small garden area.

Various other external works are proposed including repairs and restoration to the roof and erection of a new boundary fence at the back. While internal works are also planned, these do not need planning permission.

The planning application includes a supporting Heritage Statement prepared by specialists Purcell, who have carried out a full assessment of the plans and their impact on the local street scene.

There is also a full design and access statement which includes plans and timings for the construction phase.

The Castle Gateways project is one of five key elements of the Future High Streets Fund work, designed to transform Tamworth town centre into the busy thriving heart of the community once more.

Tamworth was awarded £21.65m from the Government’s Future High Streets Fund for the scheme. A total of 72 towns were successful in their bids for funding, and Tamworth was one of only 15 areas to be given the full amount requested - and received the fourth highest award overall.

Funding was awarded for specific projects which had to follow very strict criteria. When combined with additional funding from external partners, the project represents a total investment of around £40million.