Ecobank’s Samora Machel Branch Reopens

ECOBANK’s

Samora Machel Branch reopens

text by Michael Nott photos by Structure and Design

AFTER CLOSING FOR RENOVATIONS IN DECEMBER 2021, ECOBANK’S SAMORA MACHEL BRANCH RE-OPENED ON 13TH JUNE WITH A BOLD NEW LOOK IN LINE WITH THEIR INTERNATIONAL BRAND IMAGE. ECOBANK ZIMBABWE IS A SUBSIDIARY OF ECOBANK TRANSNATIONAL INC. WHICH HAS OPERATIONS IN 36 AFRICAN COUNTRIES AS WELL AS IN DUBAI, CHINA, FRANCE AND THE UK.

The original branch at 137 Samora Machel Avenue was situated in an older residential building facing the road and typical of the Avenues area. It had probably been built in the 1920s or 1930s. There was a second detached house at the back, probably built around the same time, and used for additional offices, but the bank quickly outgrew the available space. Furthermore, it didn’t really suit their corporate identity as a modern, innovative and progressive banking institution.

Ecobank commissioned architects Arch-Design to draw up the plans for their new banking hall and offices. Gift of Faith Consultants were the engineers with Urban Rises acting as the main project managers. Craft View Consultants were the quantity surveyors and Newview International was the main contractor. Working together the team has created an impressive new double storey branch for Ecobank, in line with their international corporate image, on the site of an old single storey colonial era house.

The façade facing Samora Machel is imposing and eye-catching. Black aluminium frames support large tinted glass window panes. A turquoise blue, square, concrete arch spans across the front with a large, illuminated sign above. (Turquoise blue is Ecobank’s corporate logo colour and can be glimpsed in pops of colour throughout the structure.) The branding was supplied by Quill Advertising and Marketing and it’s certainly unmissable! Behind the arch turquoise blue roof tiles can be glimpsed from the street level. There’s a dark, charcoal grey portico above the main entrance and exit doors. To the left is an integrated single storey building which houses their two 24-hour ATM machines – one for USD and one for local currency. Customers can enjoy the safety and privacy of conducting their transactions in a secure environment off the street and away from passers-by. To the right hand side of the building is a square stone clad arch leading to staff parking at the back. There’s secure off-street parking for customers in front near the entrance.

Double fire-trap doors lead directly into the main banking hall. It’s a light airy space with white porcelain floor tiles, pale grey walls, and whitish stone cladding. The clean, almost clinical, look is softened by marble and wood accents and the blue branding. To the right is the Customer Services desk while the Customer Services Manager has an office on the left behind frosted glass panelling. There are counters for 8 tellers, including a private Bulk Cash section, so there’s no need for customers to wait around to be served. The tellers’ counters were supplied and fitted by NN Joinery. Also on the ground floor – towards the back of the banking hall – is the Branch Manager’s office.

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There’s a staircase with steel and glass balustrades leading to the first floor. The first floor has the offices for Ecobank’s Contact Centre as well as a corporate boardroom which can easily accommodate 16 people. A delightful feature of the boardroom is a large fireplace which adds a touch of traditional elegance and warmth to the very modern interior design. Boardroom furniture was supplied by Only Italian.

At the back, on the ground floor, separated by the staff parking, the old original structure has been preserved. It still has the old verandah in front supported by traditional pillars. The corrugated iron roof has been painted blue to tie in with the new section. Inside are additional office spaces that used to house the Contact Centre which has now moved to the new building. There’s also the staff canteen - a kitchen and a dining area which can accommodate 16 staff members for lunches or meetings.

Also at the back is a large generator which acts as backup for the extensive solar system ensuring uninterrupted power at all times. The generator was supplied by Hunton Power and the solar system was installed by Power Centre Electrical.

The overall result of the renovations and the new build is a modern banking hall that supports Ecobank’s corporate image as well as supplying functionality and convenience for both staff and customers.

Contact the branch at:

137 Samora Machel Avenue, Harare Email: allezw-SamoraMachel@ecobank.com Telephone: 263-24-2706036/7

ECOBANK PROJECT

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