Barclays Commercial Bank has unveiled plans for its proposed new offices in central Norwich.

Barclays is planning to occupy a major part of a new purpose-built 30,000 sq ft office space over three floors, which is subject to planning permission, and will be based at 3 St James Court, Whitefriars – part of the new St James development by Jarrold & Sons.

The offices will be built on part of the former printworks site between Norwich Puppet Theatre and Mills & Reeve.

The proposed plans reinforce Barclays’ commitment to Norwich and Norfolk, as well as building on a key strategic partnership with long established customer Jarrold & Sons, which has banked with Barclays for over 200 years.

Barclays Commercial Bank is also supporting Jarrold & Sons by providing a £20 million lending facility towards the ongoing St James development.

When finished, the complete redevelopment of the St James area will include 200 homes, 250,000 sq ft of offices with the capacity to accommodate 2000 jobs, a 180-bed four-star hotel, retail, cycle routes, footpaths, pedestrian bridge across the river, an urban square and extensive high quality landscaping and amenity space.

Work is expected to begin on the office scheme in the summer and will officially open towards the end of 2009.

Tim Seeley, Area Corporate Director for Barclays Commercial Bank, Norfolk, said: “We are delighted to unveil plans for this banking centre, which will put Barclays Commercial Bank right at the commercial and professional heart of Norwich, delivering a first-class service to the people and businesses of Norfolk.

“Barclays Commercial Bank is currently based in a number of premises in and around Norwich, including St Cuthbert’s House in Upper King Street. The new premises will give us a modern building in one of the finest locations in the city and we are looking forward to the plans becoming a reality.

Mr Seeley added: “The St James development by Jarrold & Sons shows real vision and Barclays is extremely pleased to also be providing £20 million of lending towards this prestigious project.”

David Hill, chairman of Jarrold & Sons, said: “It’s great news that Barclays, a business with which we have such a long association, has chosen our St James development as the location for this important strategic move. Together with law firms Birketts and Mills & Reeve, Barclays will become part of a vibrant professional cluster that is fast developing in this new business quarter. We expect to be announcing further confirmed tenants shortly.”

Group finance director Chris Doggett added: “When we needed funding for St James, we did look around the market but came back to Barclays because they were competitive and flexible. The Barclays Commercial Banking team and their Relationship Director, Peter Glynn, have been with us for a very long time and have a deep understanding of the Jarrold businesses, which we believe is so important.”

EXCITING PROJECT: Jarrold chairman David Hill (centre) pictured near the St James site with Tim Seeley (right), area corporate director for Barclays Commercial Bank, and Barclays Commercial Banking relationship director Peter Glynn.

Picture: Keiron Tovell Photography