A team of regional contractors has completed work on the construction of a new Darlington branch for the North East’s biggest building society.
Newcastle Building Society has invested in creating in a modern, open plan branch and financial advice centre in 1,300 sq ft of space on Horsemarket in the town centre, which offers improved access to services and additional private meeting spaces for customers.
As part of the project, the Society has continued its policy of investing in its heartland by choosing a range of companies from across the region to design and build the new branch.
Newcastle-based MWE Architects has overseen the design and provided architectural services, with STP Construction of Rowlands Gill acting as principal contractor, and Malcolm Hollis LLP as building surveyors.
Team Valley-based Escott Signs supplied all the office signage and display material, and Normans of Bilingham provided the office furniture, while heating and ventilation specialists Hadrian Air Conditioning of Washington installed the new branch’s air conditioning system, and Data Fire & Security of Westerhope provided the CCTV and door access systems.
Newcastle-headquartered Reid Birkett acted as retail agent for the Horsemarket branch, which is now open for business.
Craig Garbutt, portfolio manager at Newcastle Building Society, says: “Working with regional suppliers is just one way we invest in the communities where we’re based, in addition to staff volunteering and supporting local projects with community grants.
“Our branch network remains at the heart of the services we provide, and our new Darlington branch provides access to all the facilities that we know our customers are looking for when they’re seeking our face-to-face advice and support.
“We’ve had a very encouraging response from customers to the new branch and we’re very pleased to have been able to create such an impressive facility in this highly visible town centre location.”