First National Bank Botswana (FNBB) says the development of a new Head Office named First Place in the Gaborone Central Business District (CBD) is a continuation of the bank’s broader strategy to bring all its business areas, product and services under one roof; to benefit from synergies and efficacy; to create a one- stop-shop for customers and a conducive place for both staff to work and customers to do business.
The building was officially launched by Vice President of Botswana, Dr Ponatshego H. Kedikilwe on 5th August 2013.
At the size of 21360M2 ,First Place is a state of the art building comprising a branch, a bulk cash facility, double basement parking, customer designated parking areas, staff gym & cafeteria, modern fittings, and superior building management services.
The specifications of the building surpass the normal criteria of a commercial building with raised access flooring for flexible voice/data/power reticulation to workstations as well as significant emergency power backup installations. A combination of these features gives more than 600 employees a conducive working environment and customers a comfortable place to do business.
The five storey building boasts the banks’ “one-stop-shop” capability. With an expansion of the office facilities accommodating all the Bank’s divisions such as Electronic Banking, Private Banking, Property Finance, WesBank, First Card to mention but a few, customers get a full bouquet of FNBB products.
“Investing in a new Head Office supports our service strategy of bringing value-added solutions to customers at a location convenient for business. A more spacious, conducive and brand customised premise allows all divisions of the Bank to benefit from synergies resulting in improved efficiencies”, said FNBB CEO, Lorato Boakgomo – Ntakhwana.
The building’s key features include a five-storey souring atrium with a ventilated and well lit void acting as vertical street and stack effect ventilation. The office suites boast an airy open plan with customized personal desks, a truly 21st century working environment. The screen façade of the building is protected with vertical louvers providing an intelligent sun screening. At the ground floor, the welcome area and reception present a colourful welcome and the staff canteen extends a restaurant feel to staff offering breakfast and lunch meals. At fourth level, the private client suite feels more like a home, as do the beautifully finished reception and pause areas.
“Staff welfare was a major design feature as evidenced by the pause areas contained on each floor, complete with furniture arranged in the style of a cafe; vending machines; coffee-makers; television sets with DSTV subscriptions; a staff gym and a staff canteen”, said Manager of Infrastructure Creation and Facilities Management Ms Chanda Masendu. These areas have wireless internet access allowing staff to breakout and even work on the balcony overlooking the entire CBD.
First Place is prominently positioned to add to the aesthetic value of the Central Business District. “We strongly believe in the economic growth potential of Gaborone. First Place is an extension of our commitment to investing in the development of Gaborone alongside adding commercial activities needed to further revitalise the fast-growing city.” added Boakgomo-Ntakhwana.
FNB took full occupation of the new Head Office in March 2013. Through First Place, FNBB has cemented its place as part of the CBD’s growth story.
