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Lickey Hills Birmingham
Flagship Branch, Queen Street Cardiff
Client:
HSBC Bank Plc
Project:
Flagship Branch, Queen Street Cardiff
Contract duration:
Thirteen week contract period
Description of works:
Listed building transformation of listed building in thirteen weeks
Among the many challenges faced in the internal reconstruction contract of HSBC's flagship branch in central Cardiff was that it is a listed building. It could only be closed for a thirteen week period, during most of that period a customer service desk in the lobby had to be retained.
The upgrading of the Queen street branch was always going to be a challenge, balancing the sensitivities of making internal changes, whilst adapting the character of this domed roof structure and integrating it with the needs of twenty first century banking but always liaising closely with the development team including Cardiff architect HLN, who in turn had to prepare a design and specification that would satisfy CADW, the conservation group in Wales.
The project would involve converting the basement, formerly the banks strong room and safe into a business banking area with its own interview rooms. The ground floor level would also be opened up to increase the counselling positions from 13 to 25.
Most notable was the creation of a new central architectural feature which was a helical stairway, specially designed and manufactured in stainless steel & glass, connecting the three operational levels of the bank.
Even a temporary closure of the flagship city centre branch needs very careful planning & teamwork from all parties involved.
The Client's Project Manager for South Wales commented:
"Of the many issues along the way, effective teamwork proved to be the most important. Crucial to that was excellent communications, something we were able to achieve with Murray & Willis, they took into consideration the business needs of HSBC. If there were any issues they would be dealt with there and then to the satisfaction of everybody"
The whole refurbishment project was completed to schedule within the thirteen week contract period.
The upgrading of the Queen street branch was always going to be a challenge, balancing the sensitivities of making internal changes, whilst adapting the character of this domed roof structure and integrating it with the needs of twenty first century banking but always liaising closely with the development team including Cardiff architect HLN, who in turn had to prepare a design and specification that would satisfy CADW, the conservation group in Wales.
The project would involve converting the basement, formerly the banks strong room and safe into a business banking area with its own interview rooms. The ground floor level would also be opened up to increase the counselling positions from 13 to 25.
Most notable was the creation of a new central architectural feature which was a helical stairway, specially designed and manufactured in stainless steel & glass, connecting the three operational levels of the bank.
Even a temporary closure of the flagship city centre branch needs very careful planning & teamwork from all parties involved.
The Client's Project Manager for South Wales commented:
"Of the many issues along the way, effective teamwork proved to be the most important. Crucial to that was excellent communications, something we were able to achieve with Murray & Willis, they took into consideration the business needs of HSBC. If there were any issues they would be dealt with there and then to the satisfaction of everybody"
The whole refurbishment project was completed to schedule within the thirteen week contract period.