A MUTUAL is moving into a new city centre branch, providing work for a number of North-East firms.

Newcastle Building Society is switching from Durham’s Elvet Bridge to Saddler Street.

Bosses say its new 1,400sq ft base will open early next year, providing customers with improved services and greater space to discuss financial matters.

They have now revealed Newcastle-based MWE Architects is overseeing design and architectural services, with Gateshead’s Wood Group acting as principal contractor.

Normans of Billingham is supplying office furniture and equipment, while Gateshead-based Escott Signs has been tasked with providing signage and ADT Fire and Security, based in Team Valley, has been chosen to install security and fire detection systems.

Completing the contract line-up is Hadrian Air Conditioning, of Washington, Wearside, with Tyneside’s Data Fire and Security fitting CCTV and Tynemouth chartered engineer Dodds Associates overseeing construction design and management.

Stuart Miller, customer director at Newcastle Building Society, said: “Against a backdrop of significant numbers of bank branch closures, our branch network continues to be at the heart of our operations.

“Our new branch will serve local customers extremely well.”

The mutual’s Durham switch marks another chapter in work to improve its branch network.

Upgrades have already been made to sites in Cramlington and North Shields, while branches in Darlington, Chester-le-Street and Gateshead have moved to new locations.

The business also previously created a library-based mutual in Yarm, near Stockton, which officials say has been well received.