Former bank to be subdivided

The former Barclays Bank in Market Street could be subdivided in to four retail units if a planning application is approved.

The subdivided unit would feature three shops of around 60sq.m and one unit of 35sq.m. The proposals also include the conversion of offices above to three flats. The top floor of the building is already residential. There is no parking provision on site.

The planning application highlights that "despite extensive marketing of the property since 2022, it has not proved possible to find a new single occupier for this large commercial unit and sub-division of the building is considered the most appropriate way to retain a viable town centre use on the site".

Elsewhere in Ware Road, The Raj Indian restaurant has submitted a planning application to expand in to the recently closed betting shop. The proposals include a new bar and removal of the current entrance, with the enlarged restaurant using the existing entrance to the former betting shop.

Back in the town centre, furniture retailer Martins have now vacated their Railway Street outlet.

East Herts Council are currently polling local businesses and residents to better understand current shopping and leisure habits in the town centre. This information will feed in to future planning policies for the town centre.