Member Article

Array of local firms commissioned to create new Durham site for Newcastle Building Society

A number of North East firms have been commissioned to design and build Newcastle Building Society’s newest site, based in Durham.

The new Branch and Advice Centre, located on Saddler Street, will replace the Society’s existing premises on Elvet Bridge as part of a continuing branch investment programme across the region.

The 1,400sq ft facility, scheduled to open early in the New Year, will provide customers with improved access to services, information and advice, as well as improved meeting spaces to discuss all aspects of personal financial planning.

Newcastle-based MWE Architects has been appointed to oversee the design and provide architectural services, with Wood Group of Gateshead acting as principal contractor and Tynemouth chartered engineers Dodds Associates overseeing Construction Design and Management (CDM) responsibilities.

Gateshead-based Escott Signs is providing all the interior and exterior signage, with the Team Valley depot of ADT Fire and Security installing security and fire detection systems and Normans of Billingham supplying all the office furniture and equipment.

Heating and ventilation specialists Hadrian Air Conditioning of Washington is installing the Advice Centre’s air conditioning system, while the CCTV and door access systems are being provided by Data Fire & Security of Westerhope.

Commercial property consultants Reed Birkett of Newcastle sourced the location for the Society’s new Durham branch, where development work is now well underway.

Stuart Miller, customer director at Newcastle Building Society, said: “We are committed to giving our customers convenience and choice in the way we provide information, advice and service, whether online, over the phone, or face to face.

“Against a backdrop of significant numbers of bank branch closures being announced, our branch network continues to be at the heart of our operations, and we’re committed to providing the facilities and services customers expect of a modern financial institution.

“Our new Durham branch will enable us to do exactly that in a very busy city centre location that will serve our local customers extremely well.

“Being able to award the range of contracts required for this branch relocation to a variety of North East firms is a critically important way we can continue to invest in and support our heartland area, in addition to employing more than one thousand people across the region.

“The project team is making swift progress on all aspects of the development, and we’re looking forward to seeing the completed, modern and spacious branch in the near future.”

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