National Westminster Bank

The National Westminster Bank, located at Nos 151 and 153 on The Parade, is a bank building dating from around 1920. It features a Portland stone front and has a formal classical design with three storeys and a pantiled attic that includes four flat dormers. The facade has three windows and is designed with a monumental appearance, highlighted by a wide central section that is treated as a two-storey height opening, supported by Ionic columns in antis and topped with a full entablature. The antæ serve as simple pier caps flanking the outer first-floor windows. Above the entablature, there is a large semi-circular opening with a giant triple keystone that extends to the eaves. The facade is slightly advanced on each side, featuring plain windows with triple keystones that rise into a raised band connecting to the central keystone. The first and second floor windows are fitted with glazing bar sashes. The central two-storey opening includes a lunette with bronze glazing bars that are set back. The ground floor has large outer doors framed in a moulded architrave with flat cornices above, supported by scrolled brackets. The entrance features panelled double doors with metal traceried fanlights, and there is a raised plinth in the centre for a night safe.