It’s been empty for two years but, by next summer, Dunblane’s former Bank of Scotland could be a hive of activity once again.
That’s according to Amelia Carman, project manager for an ambitious plan to transform the bank into a community-owned multi-functional social and arts space.
The idea is for it to be a versatile cinema and hospitality set-up, in the heart of the town. Fittingly, though, it will still be called The Bank.
Stirling Council recently granted planning permission for proposals..
Ahead of the redevelopment, Amelia opened the historic building’s doors to The Courier for a sneak peek behind the scenes.
The project has had strong local support, and Amelia estimates that around 50% of the funding needed to make it a reality has been secured.
This allows the team to get on with demolition and extension work, as well as making the building structurally sound.
“We really want to be open next summer. I don’t see any reason why we couldn’t be,” Amelia says.
But very few people have seen The Bank‘s interior since last year, so we asked for a look around before any drilling and sawing gets underway.
A cosy, versatile cinema and arts space
We begin in the old banking hall, which was used as a back office when Dunblane‘s Bank of Scotland was still open.
The plan is for this area to become a cinema and entertainment space, with enough room for around 100 people to watch films, see musicians perform, or even attend lectures.
The cinema screen will be retractable, and customers will relax on sofas to enjoy films or live music.
Next door in the original bank manager’s house,previously used as the main customer area, is to become a restaurant, bar and welcome space for locals and tourists alike, seating around 60 diners. In one corner, a bar will be fitted.
There are also plans to add an extension at the back of the building, housing a commercial kitchen, as well as some extra space for events.
Local produce, talented chefs and a family-friendly Sunday lunch
During the day, Amelia says the intention is for the kitchen to provide some food and drink options, showcasing local producers without competing with nearby businesses.
“We are not here to be in competition with anybody,” she stresses.
“That is absolutely at the core of what we don’t want to do.”
In the evenings, three days per week, The Bank hopes to host a rotating cast of new and upcoming chefs who will provide a dining experience for guests, with tickets available to book in advance.
The menus will be varied and ever-changing, giving customers a reason to come back regularly.
A family-focused Sunday afternoon roast may also be on the cards, coinciding with a supervised children’s film screening in the cinema room next door, giving parents a chance to relax and socialise after lunch.
Outside, the plan is to turn the forecourt into a garden space with electricity and water points, giving the option for a farmers’ market to take place there in the future.
Community-owned, for the community and driven by the community
The refurbishment will make the building fully accessible for everyone, and the aim is to make events hosted there both affordable and welcoming for all groups.
Amelia says: “There’s so much potential here for this high street to be alive in the evening and at the weekends, and for younger people to be coming out here – to build a sense of community through the building.”
If you’d like to see The Bank for yourself, you can pay it a visit on September 21 and 22 between 12pm and 4pm as part of Doors Open Days, to learn more about the project and how you can volunteer to help.
For more Stirling news and features visit our page or join us on Facebook
Conversation