Standard Bank has shut one of its largest branches in Johannesburg after a fire broke out. The bank’s Simmonds Street complex in the Johannesburg CBD caught fire in its Energy Management Centre. No injuries were suffered. The bank said the fire was contained to the energy centre and had been extinguished.
“While the investigations are still underway, initial assessments indicate that the cause of the fire was technical in nature and not due to a human factor,” wrote the bank in a short statement.
Standard Bank added that there was no further damage to the rest of the building other than smoke damage.
The Simmonds Street Complex is one of the flagship locations that offer civic services like smart IDs and passports. The bank spent R197 million in 2003 upgrading the skyscraper in order to consolidate its branches around Johannesburg CBD. According to Skyscraper Centre, it is the tenth tallest building in Johannesburg.
Standard Bank ploughed more money into it in 2015 to give seven of its floors a 5-Star Green Star SA Interiors rating.
Although the bank’s executives now sit mainly at its Rosebank offices, the official address for Standard Bank South Africa’s headquarters is still 5 Simmonds Street.
Standard Bank said it would accommodate staff stationed in the complex in other group facilities where appropriate or allow them to work from home until further notice.
“Customers can expect services to be delayed in some instances as the bank moves staff to alternate worksites. We apologise for the inconvenience that this is causing, and further updates will be provided as required,” said the bank.
Source: Fin 24
