Al Rayan Bank Operations Centre

Al Rayan Bank, the UK's largest bank providing Sharia-compliant financial services, commissioned Apex to complete a Category B fit out of its new 8,853 sq. ft. operations centre, located in a modern four-storey building in Edgbaston Village, Birmingham and close to the bank's former site.

Representing the third major project completed for the client, this new space marks a strategic shift for Al Rayan, as it offers a smaller footprint compared to their previous centre and reflects the bank's commitment to hybrid working practices and a more agile approach to office design.

Client Brief

The requirement was to design a workplace that prioritises employee experience while optimising productivity, and the fit out needed to incorporate areas for recreation and relaxation, alongside traditional office facilities. Apex was tasked to create a balanced and engaging work environment, ensuring the design met functional requirements while aligning with the bank's ethos of innovation and community.

Key Features

• Open Plan Layout: The fitout features a spacious open plan layout on the first and second floors, encouraging collaboration and communication for up to 80 employees. This design choice reflects the bank's commitment to fostering a culture of teamwork, allowing employees to collaborate while promoting a sense of community.
• Flexible Workspaces: Recognising the shift towards hybrid working, the offices include a variety of flexible workspaces to suit office-based and hybrid staff. These areas are designed to accommodate different working styles, from 'Zoom pods' for focused video conferencing calls to collaborative spaces with best-in-class AV equipment for brainstorming sessions and team meetings.
• Recreational Areas: Understanding the importance of employee well-being, Apex incorporated dedicated recreational areas on the ground floor. These spaces provide employees with the opportunity to unwind and recharge, featuring comfortable seating, games, and informal meeting spots that encourage relaxation and social interaction.
• Executive Offices: The layout design incorporates executive offices, which are strategically positioned to ensure accessibility while maintaining a level of separation from the open-plan areas, allowing for focused work and confidential discussions.
• Prayer Rooms: Recognising the importance of supporting the diverse needs and spiritual well-being of its workforce, the client brief included dedicated prayer rooms designed to provide a tranquil space for worship. These rooms are thoughtfully positioned on the top floor to ensure privacy and accessibility, allowing staff to engage in their spiritual practices without disruption.
• Sustainability Considerations: In alignment with modern sustainability practices, the fitout includes energy-efficient lighting throughout, with an environmentally friendly HVAC solution adapted and incorporated into the design. To reduce waste and minimise the environmental impact, the fitout also incorporated existing furniture from Al Rayan Bank's previous offices, ensuring the project was completed as efficiently and cost-effectively as possible.

Project Result

Apex delivered a full turnkey solution tailored to the client's specific requirements, maximising a budget approaching £1 million to ensure a seamless execution from design to completion in 20 weeks. Apex maintained an agile approach throughout, allowing for flexibility in design and installation in response to shifting priorities and evolving needs as the project progressed.

Work carried out included:

• Office design
• Space planning/ 3D visuals
• Internal glazing and partitioning
• Joinery
• Complete interior and external decoration
• New high-quality floorcoverings
• Electrical and data works
• HVAC
• New security system
• Full AV package
• Terrace refurbishment