A former Barclays bank in the heart of Cowbridge is being transformed into a new mixed-use destination designed to bring business, people and visitors into the town centre.
The prominent building at 62 High Street is currently undergoing an extensive renovation ahead of opening as The Old Bank later this year.
The development will combine flexible workspace and private offices with meeting and communal spaces, alongside three self-contained guest suites offering accommodation in the centre of Cowbridge, as well as a new juice and smoothie bar on the ground floor, designed to add a vibrant, health-focused offering for both members and visitors to the building.
The Old Bank is being developed by local businesswoman Lyndsey Jenkins, founder and managing director of Cowbridge-based creative communications agency jamjar, which will relocate its own team to the building as part of the development.
The workspace will be designed for freelancers, entrepreneurs, remote workers and small businesses looking for an alternative to working from home or taking on a traditional office lease.
A range of flexible options will be available, from day passes and lounge membership through to hot desks, dedicated desks and private offices, supported by meeting spaces, communal areas and facilities for members to work, meet and connect.
The guest accommodation will add another dimension to the development, creating three individual suites for people looking to stay in the heart of Cowbridge, amongst the town's independent shops, restaurants and businesses.
On the development, Lyndsey, said:
“Cowbridge has a brilliant independent business community and we felt there was an opportunity to create something that adds to that – a place where people can work, meet, stay and spend more time in the town.
“The way people work has changed enormously. There are lots of people running businesses from home, working remotely or looking for somewhere professional to work without necessarily wanting a conventional office. We want The Old Bank to give them that flexibility, but also the sense of community and connection that can sometimes be missing when you work on your own.
“As a Cowbridge business ourselves, moving jamjar into the building was an important part of the plan. We want to be right in the middle of the High Street and hopefully play a small part in its continued success.
“It's a fantastic building with so much character and history, so rather than seeing it remain empty, we wanted to give it a completely new lease of life while retaining as much of that character as possible. There's still plenty of work to do, but it's incredibly exciting to see the plans beginning to take shape.”
The project has been supported by the Vale of Glamorgan Council through two initiatives aimed at reinvigorating town centres.
Funding has been secured through the Transforming Towns: Town Centre Loan Scheme, funded by the Welsh Government's Transforming Towns Programme. The scheme supports regeneration activity in town centres across the Vale and is designed to help bring vacant commercial buildings back into beneficial business use.
The project has also received support through the Council's Commercial Improvement Grant, which supports improvements and maintenance works to commercial and retail properties, including enhancements to building frontages and internal trading areas.
At The Old Bank, the support is helping with the restoration and improvement of the building, including work to its prominent High Street frontage.
Cllr Bronwen Brooks, Cabinet Member for Sustainable Places, said:
“It's fantastic to see this landmark building being brought back into use and given a new purpose at the heart of Cowbridge.
“Projects like The Old Bank show what can be achieved when local businesses have the support to invest in our town centres. Bringing empty properties back into use not only helps to strengthen our high streets, but also creates new opportunities for businesses, residents and visitors.
“We're pleased to have supported this project through our grant and loan schemes, and we look forward to seeing The Old Bank open its doors.”
The Old Bank is expected to open before the end of 2026.
Businesses, freelancers, remote workers and anyone interested in workspace, private offices or staying at The Old Bank can register their interest at theoldbankcowbridge.co.uk.
