AN EMPTY former chemists is set to become a modern community banking hub in Holyhead’s historic town centre.
Anglesey County Council approved with conditions a full application for the change of use of the former Rowlands Pharmacy on Market Street this month.
The property is situated in the southern end of the Holyhead Central Conservation Area.
The application, permitted on January 15, was submitted by Cash Access UK through the Nottingham agent Matthew Ngai.
The planning statement said: “The property has been vacant for some time and the proposals will improve the area.
“The proposals have been developed with a conservation-led approach, aiming to preserve the building’s significance while ensuring its continued use as a viable commercial property.
“The interventions are sympathetic in material, scale, and design, with minimal intrusion to original features.”
The applicant said external changes would be “minimal” with “the majority of the shop front retained as existing and upgraded with new paint and signage”.
They added: “Any obvious defects or remedial works will be picked up as part of the build thus enhancing the street scene and visually regenerating the area locally.”
The side and rear of the property will remain largely unchanged whilst installation of air conditioning units at the rear will be “hidden by the high boundary walls so will not visually impact the Conservation Area”.
They added: “Redecoration of the property will be required to match the branding of the proposed Banking Hub whilst retaining as much of the existing historic fabric as possible.”
The proposal also describes a level access being provided from Market Street into the building.
“Careful consideration,” it says, has also been made for this “to ensure both staff and customers have equal access to facilities within the building”.
The plan includes a new staff toilet and kitchen, which will be “fully accessible”.
The proposal describes the site as being “in the heart of the town centre” within walking distance of public car parks, Holyhead train station and numerous bus routes.
The application concludes that the scheme will provide an upgrade to the empty building.
“It represent a sensitive and justified intervention to ensure the ongoing use and preservation of this important retail street within the Conservation Area,” the documents say.
“The works will support the building’s future without compromising its architectural or historical significance, aligning with national and local heritage policies.”
