Barclays Bank has signed a lease for a new headquarters building at Canary Wharf after agreeing new safety checks in the wake of the 11 September terrorist attacks.
The bank announced initial plans to move from the City to a new purpose-built headquarters at Canary Wharf on 5 September 2001. Following the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Centre on 11 September, Barclays sought reassurance from developers for additional security measures to be implemented. New plans include a tannoy system within the evacuation stairwells, wider staircases, and a greater number of exit staircases.
Construction and fitting out work on the building is scheduled to complete at the end of 2004, and it is expected that all Barclays’ staff who are moving across will do so during the early part of 2005.
Barclays is currently reviewing all London non-branch Barclays locations to determine which buildings will be affected by the move. An office will be retained in the West End for Barclays Private Clients. Murray House in Royal Mint Court, EC4 will also be retained, to house Barclays Global Investors staff and Barclays Capital staff will remain in their current building at Canary Wharf.
Gary Dibb, Barclays Group chief administrative officer, Gary Dibb, says: "Bringing more of our staff together will allow our businesses and head office functions to work more efficiently. We will continue to work closely with the developers and our architectural advisors to ensure the safety and security of our people.”