This substantial building in Sale, built in 1902, is listed as a building of architectural and historical interest (grade II). Originally bank premises it is now occupied by a legal firm.
The stonework - a mottled sandstone from Staffordshire - was finely detailed and executed, but 100 years of industrial pollution have not been kind to it and the south elevation has suffered localised deterioration. In particular the second floor window surrounds and mullions had deteriorated as a result of soluble salts migrating through the stone to the interior where they caused spalling and powdering of the stonework. This had become so serious that it was interfering with the use of the rooms affected. Meanwhile the exterior faces of the stone were showing increased signs of delamination and cracking. The richly moulded cornices were also showing localised failure in areas where rainwater from defective downpipes had soaked the stonework leading to frost damage.