Cheshire property developer plans new HQ in former Alderley Edge bank

Cheshire-based property developer, Abode Residencies, plans to convert the former Barclays Bank building in Alderley Edge into its new HQ.

The student accommodation specialist has purchased the former Barclays Bank building in Alderley Edge for £1.4 million, backed with funding from Cheadle-based property lender, Together. The move will bring the 120-year-old property back into use, after the Barclays branch closed in 2022.

Plans to convert the building into apartments had previously fallen through, and the property, which first opened as Union Bank in 1904 designed by architect Sir Percy Worthington, is in danger of falling into disrepair without new occupiers.

Abode Residencies propose carrying sympathetic internal alterations to the Grade II listed building that will convert the bank into a high-tech and energy efficient office space for use as the developer’s head office. Subject to planning approval, renovation could complete as soon as July 2025.

Abode Residencies founder and CEO, Ashley Ladson, said:

“It is a beautiful building – probably the most recognisable building in Alderley Edge centre – and will make the perfect headquarters for the Abode group.

“The façade speaks for itself with local red sandstone and ornate carvings. Inside there is old paneling and cornicing, four-metre high ceilings and stained glass windows which are great original features that we will want to preserve.

“Effectively, we’re planning to extend the top floor into the attic space, making it two-storey in height with a mezzanine floor connecting to an outdoor roof garden.

“The ground and first floor will have a neo classical design with a mix of wood-paneled and glass partition walls, a feature marble bar with tea and coffee-making facilities and break-out rooms with so people can come in for meetings in really impressive surroundings.

“When it’s completed it will have a feel of boutique hotel meets high-end offices.”

Ritchie Watson, corporate sales director at Together, added:

“We’ve worked with Ashley Ladson and the Abode team for nearly 20 years on dozens of acquisitions and development schemes in the housing and student accommodation sectors.

“We’re delighted to be supporting the company with the purchase of such a landmark building in Cheshire’s prime village, Alderley Edge. The move will see Abode breathe new life into this neglected grade II-listed building.”