Former NatWest branch back on market as Malvern Town Council pull out of purchase deal - The Malvern Observer

Former NatWest branch back on market as Malvern Town Council pull out of purchase deal

Malvern Editorial 15th Nov, 2017   0

CHIEFS at Malvern Town Council have revealed they have pulled out of the controversial deal to purchase the site of a former bank branch.

At the start of October we reported that the authority had succeeded in its bid to buy the old NatWest building – which closed its doors in June – on Church Street.

Councillors approved an application for a loan which would allow the funding cost to be spread over a number of years at a low interest.

The authority hoped to move their offices from Belle Vue Terrace into the building as well as using it for community purposes.




The town council had also been in discussion with Malvern Hills District Council about the future and possible relocation of the Tourist Information Centre.

However, in a surprise U-turn, councillors have decided to pull out of the deal due to the excessive repair costs needed.


A council spokesperson said: “Malvern Town Council’s offer on 28-30 Church Street was conditional on a full structural survey being carried out.

“This survey was to judge the building to be in good condition and with no material issues requiring significant expenditure.

“The full survey report flagged up some significant repair and maintenance costs.

“Therefore at the extraordinary general meeting last Tuesday, full council decided not to proceed with the purchase based on the higher than anticipated repair costs highlighted by the survey.”

Even though the future of the TIC is now back in the air, Coun David Chambers, leader of Malvern Hills District Council, reiterated the authority’s aim was to keep the service in town.

“We will continue to explore options on how this can be achieved,” he said.

NatWest confirmed there will now be another round of bidding for the building.

Agents GVA had the property listed at £275,000.

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