A planning application has been submitted to Sandwell Council to convert the former NatWest bank in High Street, Smethwick, into a 12-bed house of multiple occupation (HMO). The building, which closed in August last year, would be split into two new units under the proposal.
The larger unit would retain most of the bank’s original layout for class E commercial, business, and service use. The second unit is expected to be used as a storage centre for safety deposit boxes, according to the application submitted by Balwant Singh Nota from Midland Properties Holding.
Building has been empty since August 2025
The bank closed in August last year and has remained empty since. The former offices, meeting rooms and storage space would become 12 new rooms with shared kitchen, dining, living room and bathroom facilities.
If approved, the work would retain as much “character and significance” of the locally listed building as possible as well as “secure its long-term viability,” according to a statement included within the application.
Mixed-use scheme aims to support High Street
The statement said: “The proposed development represents the sensitive re-purposing of a vacant, locally listed building into a sustainable mixed-use development that will secure its long-term future.
“The scheme retains and enhances the building’s historic character through the careful restoration of its significant architectural features whilst introducing only limited and sympathetic alterations to facilitate its continued use.
“The provision of flexible ground floor commercial accommodation will reinforce the vitality and viability of Smethwick High Street by maintaining active commercial frontages, whilst the conversion of the upper floors to a 12-bedroom HMO will make efficient use of previously underutilised space and contribute towards meeting identified housing needs within the borough.
“It will preserve the significance of the locally listed building, support the regeneration of the town centre and deliver a high-quality mixed-use scheme that provides lasting economic, social and heritage benefits.”
Council to decide on application
The application is now with Sandwell Council for consideration. If approved, the project would bring the vacant building back into use while maintaining its commercial frontage on Smethwick High Street and adding residential accommodation above.
