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The Melton Mowbray Building Society

A community-first head office with a future-facing feel

Sector

Office

Value

Seven figure sum

Size

21,000 sq ft

Completed

2023

Duration

28 weeks

Location

Melton Mowbray

What we did

The Melton Mowbray Building Society has been part of local life since 1875. With a new CEO, a refreshed brand and a clear purpose to “build thriving communities”, the team needed a head office that could do more than house desks.

Where we started

MMBS wanted to rethink its head office from the inside out.

This was about more than a refurbishment. The space needed to reflect the organisation they had become and the future they were building towards. A modern mutual with people at its heart.
Our first job was to understand what colleagues, members and community users really needed from the building. Through workplace consultancy, we looked at the team, culture, space and everyday ways of working, then shaped a strategy around helping people feel happy, healthy and productive at work.

There were practical challenges too. The project had to maximise the existing footprint, improve movement between teams and be delivered within a tight 20-week programme, while coordinating closely with client, landlord-nominated and specialist teams.

Where we focused

The goal was to make Mutual House work harder for everyone who used it. For colleagues, that meant more choice, better connection and a workplace worth coming back to. Focused pods, shared settings, breakout spaces and flexible furniture replaced a more traditional corporate layout. For members, it meant a warmer, more useful experience. The building needed to feel open, professional and rooted in MMBS’ purpose, not tucked away behind closed doors. And for the community, it meant creating space to gather, learn and connect. The ground floor became a collaborative hub with a workplace café, meeting rooms for local groups and a learning and development centre designed for training, communication and idea-sharing. Sustainability was built into the brief from the start. The mantra was simple: repurpose, recycle and reduce carbon wherever possible. Existing furniture was donated to local charities, schools and businesses. New materials were chosen with sustainability standards in mind, alongside upgrades including EV charging points, solar panels, LED lighting and a new efficient heating and cooling system.

What changed

MMBS now has a head office that brings people together.

A new opening between two floors and a bespoke staircase have created better movement and visibility across the building. Teams have more reasons to mix, meet and collaborate during the day.

The upper floors now support different types of work, from quiet focus to informal catch-ups. The ground floor gives colleagues, branch staff, members and local groups a shared place to connect.

The result is a modern, flexible and sustainable workplace that reflects MMBS’ brand, supports its people and opens the building up to the community it exists to serve.
"Our new office at EastWest ticks all the boxes – it gives us a brilliant base, and our team loves the building, the environment, and the facilities. We’re excited to continue growing our business from our new home."

- Ann Barrasso, Roythornes Limited

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