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Steel skeleton rises for West Brom HQ

The multi-million pound new HQ for building society The West Brom is beginning to take shape in its home town with the first part of the 500-ton steel framework now in place.

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Motorists passing the development at Providence Place, off the A41 island in West Bromwich, have been getting a glimpse of what the building will look like when it is completed next year.

Contractors will spend the next 12 weeks working on the steel framework at the site, which is next to the BT regional business centre. They will also be installing concrete floors and staircases. Bosses believe it will make the new base for the building society a landmark on the town's skyline.

Vision – an artist's impression of how the building will look once it is finished next year.
Vision – an artist's impression of how the building will look once it is finished next year.

Mike Woolley, project manager for Capita Symonds, programme management consultants for the build, said: "With the steel framework going up it gives a whole new feel to the area and passers-by can imagine more easily the size of the building when complete and how it will shape the immediate landscape.

"The site has been changing day-by-day since the beginning of the year and I'm pleased to say, despite a wet and windy start to 2014, we are right on track."

The development site is close to the £200 million flagship New Square shopping precinct.

The 70,000 sq ft building is due for completion in spring 2015 and will accommodate up to 700 staff over the five-storey complex.

The society has been based in West Bromwich town centre since 1849.

The build itself is being carried out by Thomas Vale Construction. Work started with the removal of 5,000 tons of material to reach the level where foundations could be laid. Concrete piling was then completed with 112 individual piles bored to a typical depth of 23 metres. Chiefs say that their plans for the move from The West Brom's current HQ in the High Street to Providence Place are well in advance and they plan to make it a smooth transition.

Discussions are already taking place to ensure a seamless transfer of the IT system, with no disruption to the business or customers.

The new building will include state-of-the-art ventilation, heating and lighting control systems. Mr Woolley added: "The next few months will see the building 'grow' quite dramatically with the roof and parapet commencing in May."