Cheshire Building Society: Manchester

Location: Cross Street, Manchester
Sector: Financial
Project Value: £630k
Programme: 16 weeks
Scope of Works: Design > Contracting > Furniture > Audiovisual
 
The Brief 
Claremont was appointed as Interior Designer to provide Cheshire Building Society with a branch for the future. The brief required the integration of new technology within the branch, including Wireless PCs, tablet PCs, internet access for the public and equipment to provide instant access for balance enquiries.  Facilities to provide education and information within a customer lounge were also required. Within the design specification, Claremont had to consider the impact of working on a Grade II listed building within a Conservation Area. A solution needed to be developed that would satisfy both the client and worked to enhance the historical features of Charles Heathcotes’ early 20th century building.

The Solution   
With a rather modest retail footprint, the construction team had the challenge of removing 3 safes, a steel reinforced floor, and a half inch steel-plated wall. Specialist features included raised decoration to the ceiling (of which consultation with Christine Woods, wallpaper curator of the Whitworth Art Gallery was sought.) Replication of timber detailing to the external shop front along with egg & dart timber moulding and balancing, provided a challenge and opportunity for Claremont and CBS to enhance one of Manchester’s architectural gems. The basement client space had existing tiled walls which the Conservation Officer insisted were retained and restored along with an existing parquet floor, 3 old cooking ranges and a section of the existing tiny staircase.
 
The Result   
The client space is welcoming and comfortable with the retained features offering an interesting contrast to the contemporary furniture and technology. Video-conferencing is available back to Head Office for customers and financial advisors and a direct phone link to the remote contact centre is also available for customers with queries. A mobile tablet PC is used by a roving staff member to deal with customers and reduce queues for the counter staff. Taking into consideration the client’s needs combined with planning issues, and the need for technology integration, the scheme reflects the corporate brand and the operational necessity that the client required.  The overall result gives the Cheshire Building Society (to quote the retail operation director) “a magnificent branch”.

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