Former Barclays Bank could become a college campus

A proposal involving more than £3 million of investment to bring one of Newtown’s most prominent historic buildings back into use as a college campus is moving forward.

NPTC Group of Colleges is leading the scheme and has confirmed its intention to apply for planning permission to convert the Cross Buildings, the former Barclays Bank building in the town centre, into a new college facility.

Details have been submitted as part of a planning application, with Newtown Town Council considering its views as a consultee on 6 April.

The project, according to a report to Powys County Council and Newtown Town Council, which is being developed with planning agents Hughes Architects, would see the Grade II listed building restored and repurposed as a multi-use education and community hub. 

Early estimates suggest a purchase cost of around £450,000, with refurbishment costs in the region of £3 million. Funding is expected to be sought primarily through the National Lottery Heritage Fund, alongside other contributions, although the figures are described as indicative at this stage.

A statutory pre-application consultation is already underway. In the formal notice issued as part of the process, the college states it is seeking permission for the “adaptive reuse of former Barclays building for new college campus” in Newtown. Consultees have been invited to submit their views by 7 April before a full planning application is submitted to Powys County Council.

The Cross Buildings, located at the junction of Broad Street and High Street, is one of the town’s most recognisable landmarks but is currently vacant. The proposals set out a wider vision to restore the building and bring it back into active use while preserving its historic character.

The scheme is centred on education, with plans to relocate the Sustainable Fashion Academy into the building. It is currently located at The Royal Welsh Warehouse. The proposal describes the project as “a unique opportunity… to secure a historically significant property and transform it into a vibrant hub for education and community engagement”.

In addition to the academy, the plans include space for community classes and learning activities, with the aim of creating “an inclusive space for local residents to engage in lifelong learning and cultural activities”. 

The upper floors could also be converted into residential accommodation, providing a revenue stream to support the long-term maintenance and sustainability of the building.

The Cross Buildings dates back to the late 19th and early 20th century and has played a number of roles in the town, including as a public library, council offices and museum. The report highlights its importance, noting it is “recognised for its architectural and historical significance within Newtown”.

As part of the proposals, a full conservation approach is planned, with the aim to “preserve historical architecture while enabling adaptive reuse for education and community purposes”. This would include restoring original features while ensuring the building can meet modern requirements.

While Powys County Council will determine any future planning application, Newtown and Llanllwchaiarn Town Council is being consulted on the proposals. Councillors are due to consider the plans at a meeting on 6 April and will provide their views as part of the consultation process.

As a statutory consultee, the town council does not make the final decision but can influence the process by submitting comments that reflect local views and any concerns.

The proposal also points to wider potential benefits for the town, including increased footfall in the town centre, new education and training opportunities, and the long-term preservation of a key historic building.