NatWest to remove ATMs and graffiti from historic Brighton bank

Officials say removing two ATMs and a night deposit safe from the exterior of the old NatWest building in 8-11 Pavilion Buildings, Brighton, will be a “heritage benefit”.

Once they are removed, the gaps will be filled and restored to match the rest of the Grade II listed building, which was built in 1905.

Planning permission has also been granted to restore the “deep alterations” made inside the bank however it is understood these will be simple to put right.

The building will be restored after the ATMs were sealed (Image: The Argus)

In its assessment of the plans, Brighton and Hove City Council’s heritage team said: “Externally, removal of the ATMs and reinstatement would be a heritage benefit.

“Removal of the non-original fascia, projecting signs and window vinyl would be positive changes and acceptable in principle.

“Internally, there are no concerns about removing non-significant moveable furniture. The interior is much more altered but the banking hall retains its deeply compartmented high ceiling and columns with stylised acanthus leaf capitals.

“In general, elements of historic significance would not be permitted to be removed.”

The application was granted on the condition that work begins within three months of being given the go ahead.

The grade II listed building at the bottom of North Street (Image: The Argus)

Another issue for NatWest to address is the graffiti on the building.

Leader of Brighton and Hove City Council Bella Sankey took to the platform X, formerly Twitter, earlier this year to call on Lloyds Bank to clear graffiti from one of its disused buildings in the city.

Cllr Sankey asked: “Hi Lloyds Bank, you’ve left your Preston Circus premises in Brighton (in) a terrible state. Could you clean it up please?”

Graffiti is also an issue (Image: The Argus)

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A Lloyds Bank spokeswoman said at the time they understood the vandalism was upsetting and unsightly and were actively working to secure a specialist clean to resolve the issue.

It comes as seven small businesses in Brighton ignored recent requests from the city council to remove tagging from their properties.

Councillors agreed that small businesses will not be issued fines for failing to remove graffiti from their premises but will continue to receive letters.

The Argus asked NatWest about its plans for the building after restoration and if it will remove graffiti but did not receive a response.