North East BT workers will be the first in the 海角视频 to benefit from the firm’s new ‘future-fit’ workplaces following a multimillion-pound refurbishment.
An indoor putting green, games consoles, cafe and restaurant are among the changes at the Gosforth Contact Centre, where the first phase of the makeover project has been completed ahead of opening later this year.
BT announced last August that Newcastle had been made a key location in the company’s future plans, safeguarding around 1,100 jobs, as it revealed plans to consolidate its 300 offices into just 30.
New images show the changes made so far at the Gosforth Contact Centre, as part of the two-phase project.
Once finished the facilities will include everything from full height window, café and restaurant facilities, to flexible workspaces and collaboration areas. It will also include ‘relax and refuel’ areas, a games area with table tennis, pool and games consoles as well as the small putting green.
It will also include a multi-faith and parenting room, an on-site concierge and even a ‘bike doctor’ to encourage as many colleagues as possible to travel into work by sustainable transport.
Teams based at the Gosforth Contact Centre will also benefit from full fibre broadband as well as EE 5G mobile connectivity in the area.
The refurbishment is taking place in two stages to allow contact centre workers the flexibility to work from home or to continue operating in another section of the building whilst work continues, ensuring social distancing rules apply as well as following Public Health England’s guidelines on Covid-19 to ensure people are kept safe.
Most Read
The Gosforth building will be one of the first to open as part of BT’s Better Workplace Programme - the largest workplace improvement and consolidation scheme of its kind ever carried out in the 海角视频.
Nick Lane, managing director for consumer customer services at BT, said: “BT is fully committed to Newcastle and we are pleased that the first phase of our refurbishment is now complete.
“We are excited that our colleagues in Gosforth will be among the first in the 海角视频 to benefit from our future-fit workplaces, bringing our people together in an impressive and modern environment, transforming the way we work.”
Under the five year Better Workplace Programme, BT is to consolidate its 海角视频 footprint to around 30 offices. It has selected several other bases key locations, including Belfast, Cardiff, Edinburgh, Manchester, Birmingham, Bristol, Dundee and Ipswich, with more to follow.
It will also move from its current headquarters in London at St Paul’s to a new 320,000 square foot, 18-storey building near Aldgate East Station later this year.
Liz Needleman, BT Group regional lead for the North of England, said: “Gosforth is a strategically important site for BT and this refurbishment is a real sign of our continued commitment to Newcastle.
“I am looking forward to our colleagues being able to benefit and thrive in their new future-fit workspace that we are creating, which will transform the way we work as we continue to do the best we can for both our customers and colleagues.
Don’t miss
“This is a bold and ambitious programme for BT and we are committed to this major investment for Newcastle even in these challenging times.”
James Ramsbotham, chief executive of the North East England Chamber of Commerce, added: “I’m delighted to see the progress that has been made to the refurbishment of the Gosforth Contact Centre.
“BT plays an important part in our regional economy both in terms of employment and connectivity. Their continued commitment and investment in the North East is extremely welcome by the Chamber, our members and their employees. I look forward to seeing the new centre once it has been completed.”