A contemporary office reception area created for Westpac, featuring a curved desk with a stone top and soft timber finishes. A receptionist is seated at the desk while a person walks through the bright open space beyond. Built-in storage, natural planting and subtle lighting contribute to a calm workplace environment that reflects modern office fit out and office design principles. A calm workplace lounge with soft round tables, upholstered chairs and built‑in seating surrounded by abundant planting. Two people sit in conversation while others work further back in the space. Textured wall features, warm timber details and gentle lighting create a relaxed setting that reflects contemporary office fit out and office design. A circular meeting room with a large round table surrounded by orange swivel chairs, set within a bright space with full height windows. A sculptural ceiling feature sits above the table and a digital screen is mounted on the wall. Soft flooring, curved seating along the perimeter and planting help create a contemporary setting that reflects modern office fit out and office design. A bright lounge area with a sculpted ceiling light, large windows and a soft curved sofa where two people sit in discussion. The space includes contemporary armchairs, round tables and a line of planting along the wall. Natural textures, gentle lighting and a calm palette contribute to a modern workplace setting that reflects current office fit out and office design. An open plan workplace with rows of height adjustable desks, multiple screens and integrated planting between work zones. A breakout area with four orange lounge chairs and small tables sits beneath a large circular ceiling feature. Staff are working and walking through the space, which uses natural tones, soft lighting and organised layouts that reflect contemporary office fit out and office design. A modern workplace kitchen and social area with a long island counter, high stools and warm timber and stone finishes. Staff are gathered around the counter while another person prepares drinks behind it. Soft lighting, curved details and an open ceiling create a relaxed communal setting that reflects contemporary office fit out and office design. A spacious workplace dining and social area with long communal tables, round café tables and built‑in seating arranged around planting. Staff are seated, working and talking near the open kitchen counter in the background. Soft lighting, exposed ceiling details and natural materials create a relaxed multifunctional setting that reflects modern office fit out and office design.
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Home Case studies Westpac

New London headquarters for Australia’s first bank

Westpac's relocation to Gresham Street has created a workplace that reflects its Australian heritage, supports future growth and enhances employees' everyday experience. The new space is a standout addition to Westpac’s European portfolio.

Project partners

  • tp bennett
  • ADP Consulting
  • Hawkins\Brown
  • Heyne Tillett Steel
  • Furness Partnership
  • Furniture Practice
  • JLL
  • SOCOTEC Building Control

Key features

  • Accelerated delivery programme
  • Bespoke stone and clay finishes
  • Seamless transition to occupation
  • Delivering to global stakeholders

Westpac, Australia’s first bank and oldest company, needed its new London headquarters completed before its previous lease expired. Delivering on time was essential, with no room for compromise.

Designing for quality and function

The floor is divided into two sections, with open plan office space and dedicated client meeting rooms separated by a social tea point area. The open plan area also includes a dedicated trading zone to support day to day operations. A reception area was created with a front of house meeting suite, including a curved feature meeting room and executive lounge.

The high specification design includes bespoke stone and clay features, which required careful planning to avoid their long lead times from impacting the schedule. Mock ups and benchmarking provided confidence that the final finishes would meet expectations. Textures and tones pay homage to the Australian landscape, as do meeting rooms named after iconic locations on Australia's east coast.

To keep the programme running smoothly, the team held early morning and late evening calls with colleagues in Sydney, organising drone flythroughs to share progress with staff in both Australia and London. Completing the trading floor early allowed Westpac to integrate furniture and technology ahead of handover, creating a smooth transition into the new space.

Precisely as promised

The project team adapted quickly to challenges that arose, revising the programme and streamlining procedures to keep the fit out on track, ensuring Westpac could move in as promised. The completed workplace shows how careful planning, design excellence and a collaborative approach can deliver a workspace that is functional, inspiring and meaningful.

  • Gresham Street, London
  • 22,300 sq ft
  • 22 weeks

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