Work progressing on Manchester Building Society King Street flagship branch
Manchester Building Society, which in January announced its plan to open branches across Greater Manchester, has revealed computer generated images of its new flagship location on King Street in Manchester, which will open later in the year.
Photographs of the construction works under way inside the building show how specialist contractors are working to conserve and respect its historic fabric as it prepares to open its doors to customers and the wider community.
Work under way at King Street branch
The investment involves bringing the whole building back into use. establishing a city centre hub serving the people of Manchester, including the creation of flexible events and collaboration spaces for local groups, charities, and partner organisations.
An accessible and welcoming full-service branch on the ground floor will enable conversations with customers, featuring private meeting rooms and comfortable waiting areas. The upper floor will provide modern office facilities for the growing Manchester Building Society team.
A key priority for the project has been to ensure that the interior fit-out allows the original architectural features of the listed building to remain on show.
These features have been combined with a modern and accessible customer-focused environment which is much more open and informal than traditional high street banking and building society premises.
The design has been developed to maintain clear views into the early 20th century building from the street, ensuring the interior’s historic character can be appreciated from outside.
The design, materials, and colour palette have been carefully selected to remain sympathetic to the building’s period character, while furniture, partitions and installations have been designed to be as discreet and reversible as possible.
Manchester Building Society King St branch
Andrew Haigh, chief executive of Manchester Building Society, said: “It’s exciting to see these carefully thought-through plans reflect the spirit of the investment into our flagship location in Manchester, which sits at the heart of our strategy to bring vital financial services back to local communities across Greater Manchester and the wider North West. We can’t wait to open the doors to customers in the coming months.”
A spokesperson for MWE Architects said: “It’s been a privilege to work with our specialist contractors to prioritise a conservation-led approach to this project.
“For example, special attention has been given to the beautifully detailed, listed coffered ceiling on the ground floor.”
They added: “Any required repairs will be carried out by a specialist plasterwork contractor to ensure the integrity of the original craftsmanship is maintained. The same care will be taken with the historic plastered walls.
“Our approach will ensure that the architectural and historic significance of 74 King Street is not only protected but enhanced, allowing it to serve a new purpose while maintaining its distinctive presence within the St Ann’s Square Conservation Area.”
Manchester Building Society was merged with Newcastle Building Society on June 7, 2023, after the announcement in March that year by both boards that they had entered into a legally-binding agreement to merge by way of a transfer of Manchester’s engagements to Newcastle.
