Bar plans approved

Bondholder Chevin Group Holdings has obtained planning approval and agreed a subsequent lease of a historic building in Matlock to former England cricket star John Morris, to create a new wine bar.

Chevin Group Holdings acquired the large former Natwest Bank on the A6 Dale Road in 2018 and the upper floors have already been refurbished and leased to Trent PTS who offer a range of psychological therapy services on behalf of the NHS.

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John Morris, who also played domestic cricket for fellow Bondholder Derbyshire County Cricket Club, and Chevin Group Holdings received the nod from Derbyshire Dales District Council’s planning committee to convert the former NatWest branch, which has been standing empty over the last few years following its closure.

The plans will see the ground floor and basement of the property turned into a wine bar and would include outdoor seating to the rear, alongside the River Derwent.

The plans were given the go-ahead by the district council’s planning committee after an officer’s report recommended the scheme be approved.

Dan Stack, Operations Director at Chevin Group Holdings Ltd, said: “ This is one of many commercial buildings that Chevin Group Holdings have acquired in recent years that we have strived to find new uses and futures for. It’s great to see ours and Bradmans vision has been supported by the local authority and fantastic to see the remaining part of this prominent building in the heart of Matlock brought back into use”

John Morris added: “The opportunity to take over the former Natwest bank in Matlock is exactly why Bradmans exists; to bring old buildings back to life. We opened Bradmans in Duffield in 2018, which was also a former Natwest bank, and with the partnership of Chevin, I am confident this new venture will be a success.”