There has been some speculation about the fate of the former Barclays bank in Willesden Green, at 5 High Road. It has fine facade and stands almost opposite to the firmer Lloyds Bank, recently refused a licence for an adult gaming centre.
Permission was granted for the conversion of the former Barclay's Bank to commercial premises and six flats in August 2025. The flats involve a lot of internal changes plus a separate entrance.
The internal changes are most visible from the rear of the building:
The six residential units comprise 1 2 bed- 4 person, 4 1 bed - 2 person, 1 single person flat. A viability assessment was claimed to demonstrate that a payment in lieu of affordable accommodation would mean that the project could not go ahead. Because of the nature of the site Biological Net Gain did not apply.
The commercial premises is designated Class E and a drinking establishment or takeaway is ruled out.
Possibilities:
Class E(a) - For the display of retail sale of goods, other than hot food, principally to visiting members of the public.
• Class E(b) - For the sale of food and drink principally to visiting members of the public where consumption of that food and drink is mostly undertaken on the premises.
• Class E(c) - For the provision of financial services, professional services or any other service appropriate to provide in a commercial, business or service locality where the service is principally to visiting members of the public.
• Class E(e) - For the provision of medical or health services principally to visiting members of the public.
• Class E(g) - For use as an office to carry out any operational or administrative function, research and development or any industrial process being a use which can be carried out in any residential area without detriment to the amenity of that area (ie what was previously classified as a light industrial use).
If anyone hears about the future use, do let us know.
