A planning application has been submitted that could see a new town centre bar open in the former NatWest Bank building on Bridge Street in Andover.
The proposal, submitted to Test Valley Borough Council, seeks to change the use of the ground floor commercial unit at 9 Bridge Street from a Class E commercial premises into The Bullion Bar, a new drinking establishment with movable outdoor seating.
Planning notices displayed at the site confirm that the application also includes a request for permission to use the premises as a bar, while a separate premises licence application has been lodged under the Licensing Act 2003.
According to the planning and heritage statement, the proposal is described as “the final piece of the regeneration of the former NatWest Bank” and aims to create a high-quality town centre venue while bringing a prominent vacant building back into active use.
The development would involve no external alterations to the historic building, which lies within the Andover Conservation Area. The applicant says retaining the existing façade will preserve the character of the surrounding streetscape while helping to revitalise the town centre.
The proposed venue would operate as a wet-led bar, meaning its primary focus would be the sale of drinks rather than food. No hot food would be prepared on site, removing the need for commercial extraction equipment.
Protecting neighbouring residents has also been highlighted within the application. Three flats occupy the upper floors and rear of the building, and the applicant states that acoustic ceilings and partitions, controlled music levels and internal waste storage have been incorporated into the plans to minimise disturbance.
If approved, The Bullion Bar would be permitted to sell alcohol from 11am until 11pm Sunday to Wednesday, 11am until midnight on Thursdays, and 11am until 2am on Fridays and Saturdays. The accompanying premises licence application also seeks permission for late-night refreshment, along with live and recorded music during the later evening hours on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays.
The applicant has indicated that a separate application will be made to Hampshire County Council for a pavement licence to allow outdoor seating at the front of the premises.
The building has a long history within Andover, having originally been occupied by the London and County Bank before becoming part of NatWest following its acquisition in 1909. NatWest vacated the premises after closing its Andover branch in 2024, leaving one of the town centre’s most recognisable buildings empty.
At the time of writing, no public comments have been submitted on the planning application. Residents wishing to comment on either the planning or licensing applications can do so through Test Valley Borough Council within the relevant consultation periods.
A decision on the planning application is expected later this year.