Northern Architects support Darlington Building Society's high street investment

There’s a new arrival on Bishop Auckland high street in the form of Darlington Building Society, as the financial stalwart recently celebrated the opening of their new branch, following a major investment programme.

Having resided in Waverley House since June 2000, the branch has moved to an empty retail unit up the street at 30 Newgate Street. The branch relocation project has been led by northern architects and engineers, Building Design Northern (BDN), who supported the Society’s plans to relocate to a more spacious, prominent location in the town.

The Sunderland and Ulverston based practice submitted a planning application to Durham County Council, securing approval for a new commercial entrance and secure shopfront to protect the Society’s operations.

At a time when some major banks are closing their local branches, the society has invested in the high street to provide dedicated face-to-face quality customer service for all members.

Louise Thorpe, distribution director at Darlington Building Society said; “We are committed to remaining on the high street and investing in our branches. Bishop Auckland branch is the latest addition to our investment programme and we are delighted with how the branch has been received in the community, by colleagues and members.”

The Society’s new shopfront was designed and constructed in line with Durham County Council’s Heritage Action Zone Design Guide, which looks to introduce high quality frontages and more traditional aesthetics, to complement the Bishop Auckland setting.

Gary Ward, senior architectural project manager at BDN, said, “Building Design Northern are proud to be working with Darlington Building Society, supporting the Society with a range of branch refurbishment and relocation projects.

“Established in 1983 as a Darlington based engineering firm, BDN is now one of the region’s most ambitious and dynamic professional services businesses offering architecture, engineering and project management services nationwide.

Gary continued: “We look forward to working with Darlington Building Society on their next branch project which will be taking place soon.”

By Mark Adair – Correspondent, Bdaily

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