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Search the Public Notice PortalPLANS have been submitted to convert the upper floors of a former bank into a 14-bedroom house of multiple occupation (HMO).
The proposal, submitted to St Helens Council, aims to transform the vacant first and second floors of the ex-RBS building on 24-26 Ormskirk Street into residential accommodation.
The application, which is currently awaiting a decision, was officially submitted on January 23, 2025, and validated on February 11.
It follows pre-application discussions with council officials, during which the floors were identified as potentially suitable for conversion.
The Star reported last year when the building sold at auction.
The plans state that the conversion is intended to appeal to young professionals commuting to the Manchester and Liverpool areas, offering two large shared kitchens and an open-plan dining and working area.
Located in the heart of St Helens, the building is in close proximity to various high street names and local amenities, including Café Nero, McDonald's, and Wetherspoons, as well as larger employers such as Sports Direct, Aldi, Asda, St Helens College, The Range, and Cineworld.
The application sets out proposal highlights a shift in work patterns and a reduced demand for commercial space, a change recognised by the government in the introduction of Class MA – Mercatile to Abode – which allows the conversion of commercial floor space to residential use.
Although this particular proposal does not fall under the permitted development rights due to its classification as an HMO, the introduction and revision of Class MA in 2021 and 2024 respectively, sets a precedent.
The application argues that increasing residential premises around the town centre will stimulate growth and maintain retail and commercial spaces.
The building's exterior is set to remain largely unchanged, with plans for window replacements and refurbishments in keeping with the existing style.
The building's rear can accommodate 10 parking spaces, although the central location lessens the necessity for car ownership.
The upper floors of the building have reportedly been disused for several decades.
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