One of Bangor’s landmark buildings which is lying empty could soon see its door opened again.
The former Northern Bank building which dates back to the 1800s, is at the centre of a planning application from a women’s centre.
Situated at the junction of Hamilton Rd and Main St, the building was originally a market place, then a courthouse, then around 1890 it was transformed into Ward Male, Female & Infant School and in 1933 it became Bangor’s town hall until 1952.
After that was sold to the Belfast Banking Company later to become the Northern Bank and finally the Dankse Bank and it has lain empty for some years.
However it was confirmed that the local council has received a planning application from Kilcooley Women’s Centre.
Their proposed changes would see the Grade 2 listed building ground floor transformed to a social/community hub with flexible space for exhibitions, or to present/stage local arts and educational projects or events.
The first floor would become a suite of quality office spaces that will provide businesses and organisations an opportunity to rent space on a flexible basis.
The move would reflect the history as a municipal building which performed several social functions throughout its existance.
