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Birmingham Post
Birmingham Post
Business
Tom Houghton

Plans approved for 'major' Barclays investment to transform Radbroke Technology Centre

Plans have been approved for a "major investment" by Barclays at its huge technology centre in Cheshire.

The banking giant is now set to embark on a major revamp of its campus near Knutsford, where 4,000 employees are based.

The proposals were approved on Wednesday by Cheshire East Council - and will seek to provide a "modern, flexible working environment" at the 64-acre site, whilst recognising its green belt status and "rich heritage".

They are hoped to "evolve" Radbroke into a world-class facility - redesigning the campus, removing some existing buildings "in a poor state" such as Kilburn House, and reconfiguring the site layout.

Around 80,000sq ft of previously developed land will be "re-greened" under the plans.

Graham Bastin, managing director for Barclays and site executive at Radbroke Technology Centre said: "For many decades now, Barclays has been a significant employer in the area and these plans represent a strategic and long term commitment to the site which will have a positive impact for both colleagues and the regional community in which we operate.

"Colleagues at Radbroke are at the forefront of designing, testing and developing major technological advances for the bank so we want to create a world-class work environment capable of attracting and retaining the brightest and best technology brains in the industry."

Since 1972, the Radbroke campus has been a strategic location for Barclays, alongside others in Glasgow, Whippany in New Jersey, USA and Pune in India.

Barclays said Knutsford had been "central" to its innovation over many years, pioneering ATM and debit card technology, and key to the development and launch of online and mobile banking.

The approved plans will mean a more people-focused site the coordinated layout of the buildings, workspaces and collaboration facilities.

Mr Bastin added: "Our plans focus on the built environment, but what makes this campus so special is its unique setting in the Cheshire countryside.

"Therefore, our plans seek to accomplish maximum benefits for our existing colleagues whilst enhancing the setting of the site, and recognising its green belt status and its rich heritage."

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