New pictures show progress for West Brom building society HQ

The new headquarters will cap the recovery at The West Brom, which returned to profit in 2014 after a five-year 'back to basics' programme following its near collapse at the height of the credit crunch.

New images show the striking new features of the building, which will house the firm's 700 staff, and highlight the society's aim of making the building a new landmark in West Bromwich.

Although it is still very much a building site, with bare walls, cold concrete, visible wires and a field of wooden pallets outside, work is coming along and is still set to be completed by spring.

The building, which will replace the society's current purpose built headquarters on the High Street, which has existed since the late 70s, features a unique design including distinctive terracotta and black wall tiles and a glass skylight at the top of the building, emphasising the use of natural light.

The skylight, once a temporary floor is removed, will allow light to fill the building to create a light and airy working space for the firm's staff.

The new building is around 30,000 sq ft larger than the society's current premises.

West Brom chief executive Jonathan Westhoff described the complex as 'impressive' and said it was a 'fitting building to take the society forward'.

Council leader Councillor Darren Cooper said: "It is looking really good. The work is absolutely fantastic and it is coming along.

"When it is complete it will be another fantastic addition to the business district of West Bromwich."

Before construction began, the West Brom announced that they were considering relocating to the Waterfront, near Merry Hill, in Dudley, which Councillor Cooper branded 'an utter disgrace'.

"You couldn't have the headquarters of the West Brom building society in Dudley," Councillor Cooper said. "We worked very closely with the society and I am so glad we managed to change their minds and keep them in West Bromwich."