A former bank building in Welshpool that police found housed a cannabis farm earlier this year, is currently up for sale.

The building that used to be home to HSBC in Welshpool, on the corner of Broad Street and Berriew Street, is currently on the market for a guide price of £110,000.

The three storey, Grade 2 listed building will be sold at an online auction, starting on March 12, was formerly occupied by HSBC until it closed its Welshpool branch in September 2021. Since when the building has remained unoccupied when it comes to legal owners.

However, in January 2024, Dyfed Powys Police conducted a raid on the building, which was revealed to be housing a cannabis farm.

They announced that a “large quantity” of cannabis plants were seized after officers executed a search warrant at the premises.

They said: “Dyfed Powys Police proactive drugs team executed a warrant at a property in Welshpool on Monday, January 8.

“A large quantity of cannabis plants have been seized. The building was in a dangerous condition and Scottish Power have been called to assist.”

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In April 2022, a proposal by HS Property Group to convert the building into six apartments was submitted to Powys County Council. The plans were, as noted by the building’s RightMove page, granted consent by the council for change of use.

The proposal stated: “We do not believe that securing another banking tenant in this building would be a realistic prospect.

“This application provides the best and most viable means to secure and guarantee the future of the heritage asset.

"We do not believe that a retailer would be interested without wanting to make substantial changes to the fenestration arrangement, which would radically alter the external appearance, to the detriment of it’s setting.

“It is self-evident that to keep a listed building in the use for which it was designed is not always the best way to conserve it and the need to manage change is a necessary tactic.

“It is important to recognise that there is a need for a new chapter for the former Bank, but one that respects and responds to its heritage and cultural value.”