Former Royal Bank of Scotland building, Crofts Bank Road, Urmston
Location/Address
2 Crofts Bank Road, Urmston, M41 0TU
Type
Description
Set at a key crossroad in Urmston town centre, this handsome former bank building dominates this part of the local high street, helping to define its character as a centre for local business and commerce. In line with many commercial premises of this era, the building was of dual use, also providing accommodation for the bank manager and his family.
Statement of Significance
Asset type
Built over three floors, this is a large former bank building set at a crossroads close to Urmston railway station. The size and quality of the building mean that this makes a strong impact on the area, helping to define its character - not only as a south/west suburb of Manchester, but also as a small town in its own right, offering high street retail facilities to its residents.Age
Built circa 1898Architectural and Artistic Interest
Number 2 Crofts Bank Road is built in red brick, with characterful white stone facing, which includes the word ‘Bank’ over the doorway. The building also incorporates interesting design features, such as the floral pattern brick facing on the Crofts Bank Road elevation, and a small balcony/outdoor area on the 2nd floor of the building. The side elevation along Railway Road includes a single storey section which features a bay window. This section is separated from the pavement by a low red brick wall with gateposts - giving this part of the site the effect of a residential dwelling. This is in line with what local historian David Smith tells us about the building's use and layout. In this regard, David Smith explains that the building was not only used for commercial purposes, but also provided accommodation for the bank manager and his family. However, the effect of the Railway Road section of the building adds to the size, quality and complexity of this property adding to its overall impact on its immediate surroundings.Group Value
This building is part of a town centre consisting of an intricate range of shops and commercial premises, mostly constructed over a 50 year period between 1875 and 1925, reflecting the growth of the town. This building acts as a key cornerstone of this retail high street. Although today its use as a bank has ceased, the building still dominates this part of the area and also links with other buildings along Crofts Bank and Flixton Roads' to define the town centre as a place offering a wide range of services to local people.Historic Interest
The building was erected in 1898, and at first was occupied as an ironmonger’s shop. Around 1908 the building became Williams Deacon's Bank, the lettering of which is faintly visible on the building today. Part of the building was reserved to provide residential accommodation for the manager of the bank and his family. Local historian David Smith has identified the building as the home of Alfred and Louisa Johnson who were also shown as living in the Railway Road section of the building (known as number 2 Railway Road). Alfred Johnson was the manager of the Williams Deacon's Bank Ltd William's and Deacon's bank had strong connections with Manchester - having been acquired by the Manchester and Salford Bank around 1890. This perhaps explains why in the early twentieth century the building was established as a branch of Williams Deacon's, demonstrating strong confidence in the prosperity of the area, as well as meeting the banking needs of businesses and residents. This was a time when local retail banking was increasing on local high streets - which was reflected in Urmston town centre, where several banks had premises. Given its size and location, this branch of Williams Deacon's Bank was in a prominent position to attract customers and undertake its banking business. Williams Deacon's bank became part of the Royal Bank of Scotland in 1931. The building remained a bank from its conversion from a shop in 1908, however the Royal Bank of Scotland closed the branch in August 2018 and the building is now owned privately. In 2021 the building was in the process of being repurposed partly into residential accommodation, reflecting the changes common across local high street's within the UK.Landmark Status
As a large late Victorian building of high quality, this property dominates the crossroads at this point or Urmston town centre. At the time it was constructed (1898) this was the heart of the town centre. The building still retains these qualities, helping to define Urmston as a place.Images and Documents
Date Listed
01 Apr 2023
Last Updated
22 Oct 2021
Find Out More
Find out more about this Asset in Greater Manchester Local Heritage List:
https://local-heritage-list.org.uk/greater-manchester/asset/5444
https://local-heritage-list.org.uk/greater-manchester/asset/5444