Westpac Mobile Bank

In February 2011 earthquakes in Christchurch left the city shattered. Worst hit suburbs were affected by power outages, damaged and diverted roads,  and the loss of ATM’s and banking facilities.

Decisive action was taken by Westpac to ensure their  branch and ATM network was re-established as soon as possible to service the community, however it soon became clear that some branches needed more extensive work and  the concept of the ‘mobile bank’ was born.

As an innovative and immediate response to the crises Context worked with Westpac, Addis Containers and Focus Construction Interiors to convert an existing low use 40” (29 sqm) shipping container into a mobile bank. 

Westpac knew customers needed a true FULL SERVICE ‘bank in a box’ including bill payments, ATMs with withdrawal and deposit capability, advice spaces and technologies such as Internet and card issuing. 

In addition all Westpac facilities need staff security, secure telecommunications, flood lighting, video feeds viewed offsite and recorded 24/7, UPS power systems and automated cash management.

These are full size solutions and represent a true design challenge in the size of a ‘box’.

The brief to Context Architects included signage graphics, welcoming canvas doors, overhead canvas to manage weather, heating and cooling for all seasons, acoustic privacy, an energy efficient envelope and electrical systems, staff facilities and disabled access and to be fully mobile.

Building work for container and fitout was approximately $150,000.

Within 6 weeks, the earthquake-ravaged community of Sumner had access to full banking facilities and Westpac had a stable safe work space which transports easily to other disaster sites and is flexible for future uses.

Customers who see the bright red box recognise the Westpac brand and know that they are mobile and are here to service the needs of the community.

Download a NZ Herald article about the mobile bank here...