Oakmont Homes to convert Hertfordshire RBS building into property development

Hemel Hempstead developer, Oakmont Homes is set to transform the vacant Royal Bank of Scotland in the town centre into 35 new homes.

Planning permission has been granted to convert the bank’s offices at 89 Marlowes, together with new buildings on an adjacent site and the bank’s former car park.

The development will comprise 35 one-bed and 13 two-bedroom apartments. Consent for a further five - bringing the total scheme up to 53 units - will be determined in November.

The £14m project will include associated car parking, landscaping and roof gardens.

The go-ahead for Oakmont Homes is said to be a success for its managing director Marc Green, who spent 18 months acquiring the three adjoining sites in order to make the project financially viable.

He said: “We are delighted this scheme will provide a significant amount of high-quality homes where they are greatly needed.

“The development is in a prime location and a considerable amount of time and effort was required to assemble the site and secure planning consent, including change of use, in order to make the project work.”

One of the main elements of this regeneration has been the completion of The Forum last year which comprises a new library, voluntary services hub and council offices.

The re-development of Marlowes shopping centre has also been approved and will encompass a nine-screen cinema and many new restaurants.

Further improvements to enhance the whole area are also underway, including a new town square created to cater for live performances and film screenings which will become a focal point for the expanding residential community.