In 2001 Walters & Cohen won the competition to design a new occupational health facility at the Grade I listed Bank of England.
The facility, which is used by the Bank’s 3,600 employees, includes a gym, two fitness studios and an occupational health centre for in-house doctors, dentists, nurses and physiotherapists.
Our design creates a pleasant working environment for the occupational health staff and a wellness centre for those who work at the Bank.
The sensitive and historic nature of the site provided much valuable experience of working within listed buildings. The facility is located in the basement vaults of Sir John Soane’s original building, an area previously used for storing gold. There is no natural light or ventilation at basement level, so the illusion of space and light was achieved by removing parts of the existing structure and using backlit glazed walls, while clear circulation and the use of natural materials create a high-quality, practical space for its users.
