Westpac Riccarton
Project statistics
- Client Westpac New Zealand
- Site Riccarton, Christchurch
- Completed 2010
Project brief
Winner of the 2011 Retail Design Awards 'Brand Application' Award, Westpac Riccarton is a bold, fresh and forward thinking retail solution that takes ‘ownership’ of its corner site within the busiest shopping mall in Christchurch.
Westpac had specific requirements for the new Westfield location. Firstly they wanted the branch to have a look that would not only stand out within the mall itself, but also one that would reflect the future of retail banking and position Westpac as a leader in the integration of new technology into daily banking.
Design solution
The branch, which measures 200sqm, has 20 staff working within 12 office/meeting spaces and 4 customer service points. It also comfortably fits a self-service automated banking suite containing 4 ATMS and a customer online banking unit or “pod”.
The most significant feature of the shop front is the on-line banking “pod”. The red pod contains 2 computer stations where customers can do their online banking, and has ‘touch screen’ technology installed on the outside face of the pod where customers can look at information about Westpac’s services and products. It is enclosed for privacy and yet open enough to create a curiosity for the passer by.
The pod is built just outside the security line of the 9-5pm areas of the branch, meaning that after hours customers can continue to so their online banking within the pod.
Thanks to its innovative design this new Westpac branch is elevated from an impersonal financial sphere to one that draws in passers-by and stimulates interaction among customers.