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'Unusual' Brutalist bank building granted listed status

Tahir Shabbir
Google Front elevation of the building showing the circular stairs and branding of Virgin Money visible with couple of cars parked at the front. Google
The bank was built in 1976 in the style of Brutalist architecture

A 1970s bank in the centre of Kilmarnock has been given listed building status as a 'striking example' of Brutalist architecture.

Historic Environment Scotland (HES) said the former Clydesdale Bank building on Foregate was an "unusual example" of a purpose-built bank in a distinctive architectural style.

The bank was built in a 'corporate Brutalist' style and is notable for its "expressive use of concrete, brick and glass" as well as a top floor that sails over the lower floors and vertical detailing that gives a "sculptural effect", HES said.

The building, now occupied by Virgin Money, was listed as category C which means it is a structure of 'local' importance.

The three-storey bank, which has a circular tower at one end, was built in 1975-6 to designs by architects Hay, Steel and Partners, who were also responsible for the nearby Burns Mall shopping centre.

The bank was built during a major programme of regenerative urban planning in Kilmarnock town centre.

HES said the building stood out as one of the architect's most ambitious designs and was also notable for its architectural quality.

Historic Environment Scotland The rear view of the building showing the branding of the bank formerly known as Clydesdale Bank. A women can be seen using the ATM.Historic Environment Scotland
The building was occupied by Clydesdale Bank until 2021

It said the building met the criteria of special architectural or historic interest for a number of reasons:

  • For its high-quality exterior design as a striking example of modern Brutalist commercial architecture
  • As an unusual example of a purpose-built bank of notable architectural quality dating from the late post-war period.
  • As a prominent, well-designed building in the comprehensive development of Kilmarnock in the 1970s, which transformed the town centre.