Why is the Society carrying out a refurbishment?

Our building dates back to the 1930’s. Although it has been regularly updated, now is the time for a complete overhaul.

Leeds Building Society is a hugely successful organisation, which has seen fantastic growth in recent years. Our assets have doubled in size since 2001 in a very competitive market and we are in excellent shape to deliver a record-breaking performance for the remainder of 2007.

We employ around 1,000 staff nationally and over 450 in our Head Office, which is vital in delivering our products and services to our members throughout our national branch network, Call Centre and online facility.

What benefits will the refurbishment bring?

We will have modern, vibrant and open plan working environment for our staff. We will also be using energy efficient systems including reactive lighting, new lifts, integrated air cooling systems in offices as well as biodegradable carpet and ceiling tiles.

This modernisation will improve our infrastructure and enable us to continue to deliver good value for money products backed up by excellent service.

Why did you decide to refurbish your existing premises and not relocate?

We have considered a range of options, including moving out of the city centre, but feel that staying in our existing location offers the best solution for staff and members.

We have been in the heart of the city for over 120 years and our building is in an excellent location with good transport links from all areas of the UK. Leeds is very important to us and this solution offers the most cost-effective way to improve our infrastructure and enable us to continue to deliver good value for money products backed up by excellent service.

What will the refurbishment involve?

Our Head Office is in a conservation area and, as a result, the external appearance will not significantly change apart from the new entrance to be located on the Headrow. Internally, however, the whole building will be completely refurbished.

How much is it costing?

Efficiency is one of the cornerstones of our success and the refurbishment is being carried out on a very cost efficient basis.

The amount being invested is only a small percentage of the Society’s annual profit and this will have no detrimental impact on the good value for money products we provide for our members. The refurbishment will also increase the value of the Society’s Head office.

Have you considered the impact on the environment?

Yes. We will be using energy efficient systems including reactive lighting, new lifts and integrated air cooling systems in offices. We will also be using more environmentally friendly materials such as biodegradable carpet and ceiling tiles.

Will there be any disruption to the service we offer our customers?

No, throughout the refurbishment we will be operating ‘business as usual’ and our branch, Call Centre and online services will be available as normal.
The only impact on customers will be visual, as scaffolding will be erected on Albion Street and the Headrow as we replace the windows. However, the branch will be open as usual.

What are the time-scales for the refurbishment?

The full refurbishment will be complete by the end of July 2008.

Who are the contractors and how were they chosen?

The contractor who will be carrying out the refurbishment is Claremont Group Interiors. They were chosen following a rigorous selection process during which the number of excellent tenders received was whittled down at each stage of the process.

Claremont Group Interiors, the largest commercial interiors firm outside London, offers a comprehensive range of workspace solutions, including workplace analysis and consultancy, interior design, interior contracting, furniture, and specialist interiors. They have a diverse client base, which ranges in size and nature from small private companies requiring simple design and planning services through to large corporate clients who require a complete service running from workplace consultancy through to implementation. Their clients include Coca Cola, Unilever, US Airways and Astra Zeneca.