Vale Council Support Helps Give Cowbridge Building a New Lease of Life
Support from the Vale of Glamorgan Council is helping give a landmark Cowbridge building a new lease of life.
The former Barclays bank building is being transformed into a new coworking space, guest accommodation and a juice and smoothie bar.
Through its Town Centre Loan Scheme and Commercial Improvement Grants, the Council has helped unlock a new future for the building, funding improvements that will allow the building to enter a new chapter on the high street.
The project is being led by local businesswoman Lyndsey Jenkins, founder of Cowbridge-based creative communications agency jamjar, which will also relocate to the building upon completion.
The investment is part of the Council’s wider work to support the regeneration of town centres across the Vale and bring vacant commercial properties back into productive use.
Cllr Bronwen Brooks, Cabinet Member for Sustainable Places, said: “It’s fantastic to see this landmark building being brought back into use and given a new purpose at the heart of Cowbridge.
“Projects like The Old Bank show what can be achieved when local businesses have the support to invest in our town centres. Bringing empty properties back into use not only helps to strengthen our high streets, but also creates new opportunities for businesses, residents and visitors.
“We’re pleased to have supported this project through our grant and loan schemes, and we look forward to seeing The Old Bank open its doors.”
Lyndsey Jenkins, founder of The Old Bank and managing director of jamjar, said: “Having run a business in Cowbridge for more than 14 years, I’m incredibly passionate about the town and its High Street, so it’s exciting to be giving such a prominent building a new lease of life.
“Our vision for The Old Bank is to create a place that brings people into the heart of Cowbridge – whether that’s to work, meet, stay or simply spend time here. We want to create flexible workspace for the growing number of people working remotely or running their own businesses, while the guest accommodation and juice bar will bring a completely different mix of people into the building.
“Taking on a project of this scale is a significant investment and the support we’ve received from the Vale of Glamorgan Council has been invaluable in helping us bring our plans to life. We’re looking forward to opening the doors later this year and seeing The Old Bank become part of the next chapter of Cowbridge High Street.”
The Transforming Towns: Town Centre Loan Scheme is designed to support the regeneration of town centres across the Vale of Glamorgan, helping businesses and property owners bring vacant commercial premises back into use and invest in their high streets.
For more information about the schemes and grants available - including details around eligibility and how to apply, click here.
Anyone interested in becoming a member of The Old Bank co-working space is encouraged to visit theoldbankcowbridge.co.uk to find out more, and register their interest ahead of its opening later this year.