Former bank building to get new lease of life
A historic building in the heart of Mullingar is set for a new lease of life as work starts on its conversion into a dental practice and a three-bedroom duplex apartment.
The former Ulster Bank premises at 15-17 Oliver Plunkett Street is a protected structure and will undergo a substantial refurbishment under the approved plans.
The ground floor of the building will be converted from its former financial services use into a dental practice, while the first and second floors will become a single three-bedroom duplex apartment.
The works will involve a number of internal alterations, including the installation of a new lift, an external escape staircase and repairs to the existing internal staircase.
The plans also provide for alterations and refurbishment to the elevations, including the addition of three rooflights. Changes are proposed to the front signage, to include signage on the ground floor glazing, plaque signage and the reinstatement of high-level blade signage beside the commercial entrance.
The residential element will also have private open space at first-floor level, while changes to the existing vehicular entrance and car parking will provide private parking and additional open space at ground-floor level.
Given the protected status of the building, Westmeath County Council attached a number of conditions aimed at safeguarding its architectural character. All works must be undertaken in accordance with conservation guidelines and under the supervision of a suitably qualified conservation architect. Existing architectural features are to be retained and restored where possible.
These include the eastern entrance doors, staircase, window architraves, arched door surrounds, picture rails, skirtings, fireplaces, original cornice and floor tiles.
Particular protection has also been given to the former bank’s vault/storage room door, which must be retained as part of the project.
Any ground works will have to be monitored by a qualified archaeologist, and work is to stop should archaeological material be discovered.
The council have also required details of secure and sheltered bicycle parking to be provided at the rear of the property before development begins.
Planning permission was granted subject to seven conditions, including a development contribution of €2,546.67.
The council concluded that, subject to the conditions imposed, the development would be in accordance with the proper planning and sustainable development of the area, having regard to the Mullingar Local Area Plan and the Westmeath County Development Plan 2021-2027.
The project represents another change in use for a prominent town-centre building, combining commercial and residential accommodation while retaining important elements of Mullingar’s architectural heritage.