Niavac are proud to have completed a significant fit-out at Danske Bank’s flagship Donegall Square West branch in Belfast city centre.
The contract is the latest to complete in a series of multi-site AV fit-outs across Northern Ireland, including branches in Newtownards, Portadown and Dungannon.
Niavac has supplied AV solutions to Danske Bank for the past ten years.
As part of the project Niavac provided a range of audio-visual solutions to complement the growing digitisation of the bank, introducing new digital technologies and hardware to the branch banking hall and new Fintech Hub.
The Catalyst Belfast Fintech Hub, a co-working space for emerging fin-tech companies, officially opened in September.
Niavac’s Technical Project Manager Stuart Ogg explains how the latest fit-out sets a benchmark for the future of AV solutions in Northern Ireland.
“Being involved at design stage allows us to bring a new perspective to the project. AV should be designed into a space rather than just making something work down the line.
“Throughout the design process, we collaborated with architects, designers and the bank to create an engaging AV solution that responded to the aesthetic of its modern, new look. We’re a solutions-oriented company and believe design should be shaped by the customer’s needs. For Danske Bank, providing end-to-end management during the lifetime of the project means the audio-visual installations integrate seamlessly with the fit-out programme.”
Alan Scott, Regional Service Manager for Danske Bank, commented: “We needed more than an AV installer for this project due the fact that we wanted to introduce new features to the branch. We needed an AV expert that could advise us on the latest technology available on the market and a company that could produce design solutions to ensure the equipment was integrated seamlessly into the branch design concept.”
Responding to the need for seamless integration, Niavac installed LG’s new super stretch display in the statement printed glass wall surrounding the self-service area. On account of its uncommon size, the display provides a talking point for customers while at the same time delivering important communications to customers.
Alan continued: “Given the opportunity to refurbish our flagship branch we wanted to take new strides forward with our branch concept design by introducing more digital features compared to our standard branch fit outs. Niavac provided the expertise we needed along with a can-do attitude that helped us achieve our aspirations of being recognised as the number one bank in Northern Ireland. The new digital marketing technology was a particular challenge and would not have been possible without Niavac’s support skill.”
Stuart added: “Technology needs to be appropriate for its environment”.
“The new Catalyst Fintech Hub is a collaborative working environment and the solutions we’ve supplied are considerate of this. Interactivity and engagement are crucial components for successful collaboration and appropriate technology can produce time-saving benefits and increase productivity.”
As digital technologies are becoming more prominent in banking, the image and layout of the traditional bank branch is also undergoing significant transformation.
The new branch is a remarkable space and one of its statement features is a centred main stage complete with a stunning 84” 4K display. Beyond the traditional bank branch, the banking hall design needed to be multi-functional. NIAVAC installed a flexible system utilising a digital mixer, handheld mics and a variety of media playback options to support both day-to-day business as well as evening events and training.
Commenting on the latest trends in the AV industry, Stuart remarked that consumers expect technology.
“I would say don’t install technology for technology’s sake, but there is an expectation from consumers that it will be featured in a given environment. Effective integration can undoubtedly add value and deepen engagement with consumers; this can only have a positive impact on brand image.”
It seems the bank’s customers would agree. “The new digital AV equipment has proved a huge success in enhancing and expanding the reach of the bank’s communication platform,” Alan suggests. “This helping the bank make more possible for our customers.”
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