Bar plan could see empty Penistone building back in use

A new bar could be created in the centre of Penistone if planners approve the scheme it what may be part of a renaissance for drinkers after years of pub closures in the district.
New future: This Listed building could be converted to become a new barNew future: This Listed building could be converted to become a new bar
New future: This Listed building could be converted to become a new bar

Plans have been submitted which could see a new bar created in the former Midland Bank building in St Mary's Street, which has been a Listed Building since 1988 and has seen both the bank and an antiques shop move out recently, leaving the space unoccupied.

Although the work would involve making alterations to the building, most would be internal, where modern alterations had previously taken place, according to planning documents.

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The exterior of the building would be largely unchanged, with work to re-open doorways.

The former bank vault would be used to accommodate loos and the business would rely on customers in vehicles using on street parking or the car park adjacent to the Tesco store nearby, though it is stressed drinking alcohol would not be encouraged among those driving to and from the venue.

An assessment offered to planners suggests the building would be 'unlikely' to be brought back into use as a shop and that alterations would be 'sensitive' to the Listed status of the structure.

Meanwhile, a short distance away in High Street a group aiming to create the town's first community pub believe they have identified suitable premises.

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The objective is to create a bar which would be used by a wide variety of users, operated by those involved in the project for the benefit of the wider community.

If both projects go ahead, it would be a reversal of the trend towards pub closures which has been going on for many years, including some in Penistone which have been converted for commercial and housing uses.