Hampshire Trust Bank heralds a new era of workplace design

Hampshire Trust Bank is a specialist bank committed to supporting the sustained growth of UK SMEs. Its seasoned teams in asset finance, development finance, wholesale finance, and specialist mortgages deliver unparalleled service, foster enduring relationships, and provide the specialist expertise necessary for businesses, investors and developers to thrive. HTB also offer savings accounts to individuals, businesses, charities and community banks.

The firm recently moved from 55 Bishopsgate to 80 Fenchurch Street in the City of London. The tower, completed in 2020, is a refreshing and unique 14-story build with six external landscaped terraces and a two-story entrance foyer complete with business lounges, a café, and a forum. “EightyFen” places occupier amenity at the heart of the design and specification, and in achieving BREEAM excellent and Wired Score platinum, the building also positions itself as a leader in sustainability and technology respectively.

Peldon Rose worked alongside property consultants Carter Jonas to complete a CAT A & CAT B fit out on the ninth floor of 80 Fenchurch Street for Hampshire Trust Bank. It’s a new era of workplace, heralded by the principles of agility, humanity, inclusivity, and community. The design empowers Hampshire Trust Bank to prioritise employees’ wellbeing, and places business productivity and talent retention at the forefront of operations.

Designing with natural light

The design capitalises on the readily available natural light, with desking placed perpendicular to the floorplate’s peripheral windows and the teapoint located where floor-to-ceiling glass offers stunning views of The Gerkin and Tower Bridge.

A rhombus shaped glass void strikes through the core of 80 Fenchurch Street. Not only does this provide uninterrupted light flow to the depths of the space – it also allows employees glimpses of adjacent floorplates, and if they dare look down, an impressive direct vista to the main foyer below. With so much transparency, it was important privacy was given careful consideration during the design process. As a result, while open-plan workstations and collaboration break-out areas wrap around the glass void in a wide belt, focus booths, more confidential functions and a large teapoint are kept behind doors with reeded glazing, elevating the privacy offering.

Designing for a premium client experience

Tucked away beyond the rest of the office, a suite of client meeting rooms and the company boardroom lean on a hospitality-inspired design to create a comfortable look and feel. Sofas, credenzas, high seating and stools create the feeling and ambience of a members’ lounge, or a classic hotel bar. Complete with tea point facilities, mood lighting, and glimpses of yet more magnificent views of the city and White Chapel, this area has an air of understated, timeless elegance.

Meeting rooms are equipped with highest spec integrated AV and flexible furniture in the form of flip tables, to facilitate global business functions and an impressive range of meeting sizes.

The long and short

Peldon Rose have created a seamless client and employee experience for Hampshire Trust Bank, unlocking the potential of the floorplate at 80 Fenchurch Street to maximise usability and versatility.

This is an environment that has been designed first and foremost around people, and activates collaboration, performance, and builds an inspiring and inclusive community for everyone using the space.

If you're set to embark on an office relocation or refurbishment journey, why not talk to our experienced team with your enquiries today.