PLANS have been lodged to sub divide the former Clydesdale Bank in Largs into two separate buildings in a bid to attract new tenants.

A planning application has been lodged by the owners of the building to separate the former bank and provide a new external door.

Alan McCaw, of Ayrshire Architecture, is the agent for the property and is keen to see it brought back into use.

He said: "The background is that the Clydesdale Bank closed its doors around 18 months ago and while there had been some interest in the building, there was nothing definite.

"It was felt by the owners that the unit was perhaps too big for where it is located so it was decided to divide the property into two separate units to make it easier to market."

Alan believes it may well have been two separate buildings in the past due to its unique design.

He said: "The plan is to make the building more attractive to potential tenants.

"It is listed, and as well as serving as a bank in the town for decades, it looks like it may well have potentially been two buildings at some point in the past and subsequently made into one larger unit.

"Maybe somebody in the Largs History Group forum might know more of the history of the building? It would be interesting to find out more."

The curved building appears in several old postcards showing Largs town centre and was formerly called 'Peter Watson's', who was a grocer in the town.

Councillor Tom Marshall, head of the planning committee at North Ayrshire Council, said: "It is a prominent piece of architecture in Largs town centre and it can easily be divided into two units, so it make sense at such a prominent location.

"I'd like to see more of these private niche retail shop outlets come to the Main Street like you get in border towns such as Peebles or Melrose as they are a great draw for visitors and locals."

The former Clydesdale Bank building has been on sale for offers over £250,000.

The property is marketed by DM Hall who describe the Main Street property as a 'prime retail pitch in Largs town centre'.

It is suitable for shops and/or financial and professional services, and also offers the opportunity to sub-divide to suit occupier requirements.