Leeds Buildings, 20, Clifton Street, Blackpool

THE PEOPLE’S BANK - Blackpool with its rapid growth is an ever-changing town. The above is a photograph of Leeds Buildings, the imposing local headquarters of the Leeds Permanent Building Society, which are one the architectural features of Clifton-street.  The front of the building, which has been reconstructed from plans prepared by Mr. Halstead Best, F.R.I.B.A., F.S.I., is of Ruabon brick and terra cotta. The combination of the terra cotta, 'with its ' grey ribbed vitreous surface, and bright red facing bricks, is very effective and makes the. building one of the most noticeable in the town. The commodious bank premises are on the ground floor, with the manager's office and office accommodation for the clerical' staff at, the rear, while the upper floors are tenanted by Mr. Halstead Best, who prepared the plans, and who is also the local surveyor for the society. The whole of the internal fittings of the bank are in light oak, and a noticeable feature is the new system of heating by electricity which gives a delightful feeling of warmth to the building. The contractors for the re-construction of the building wore Messrs. J. and R. Fenton, Ltd., of Caunce Street, the sub-contractors being Messrs Wilfrid Coop, Ltd., Blackpool, for plumbing and decorating ; Messrs. Walker, Ltd., Blackpool, for the plastering and slating; Messrs. R. Darbyshire Ltd., Blackpool, for the electrical work ; while the terra cotta was supplied by the Hathern Station Terra Cotta Company, Loughborough; the Ruabon bricks by Messrs. Dennis, Ruabon; and the floor coverings, etc., bv Messrs. R. G. Bateson and Sons, Lid. , Blackpool. [Blackpool Gazette 16 January 1926 page 15]