In 2019, we successfully purchased the former Barclays Bank building on Wooler High Street. Both the GGT and Barclays are committed to retaining the building for the community, and to avoid land banking by an investor. Purchase and development costs were around £320,000, or which the Trust successfully raised £150,000 towards this sum via a Community Bond scheme and a successful funding application of £40,000 to Northumberland County Council.
The building is a fine grade II listed building dating back to 1863 and one of the most impressive on Wooler High Street.
The first and second floors have been converted into two bed affordable housing units and now are occupied.
The ground floor has been developed for commercial use and will ultimately add value to the High Street offer. In 2020 we secured some funding from the Architectural Heritage Fund to explore the feasibility of several commercial options and to carry out some remedial works.
A bistro/restaurant is planned to open early 2024, more information coming soon.