Chelsea Building Society, Cheltenham
This phased project is a multi award-winning new-build development for one of the UK’s largest building societies. Adjacent to an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, it provides 150 staff with a people-focused working environment that enjoys optimum access to natural daylight, ventilation and views.
The centre is located on a 5 acre brownfield site. It consists of a pair of three storey buildings set end-to-end and connected by upper level glazed bridges. Its linear form has a discreet impact on the surrounding environment. A palette of carefully chosen materials respects the local residential context.
As well as an open-plan call centre and data centre, the complex comprises a range of facilities to support the development and well-being of the workforce. These include a staff restaurant, fitness centre, training suites and break-out spaces.
The centre has the flexibility to meet both current and anticipated future needs. With the removal of the bridges, the buildings can function independently of each other and be further sub-divided floor by floor. Overall, the project has a BREEAM rating of ‘excellent’. Numerous energy efficient measures include ground source geothermal heat pumping.