Barclays Campus, Clyde Place, Glasgow

View gallery Barclays Campus, Clyde Place, Glasgow

Project Brief

Motionspot was appointed as the inclusive design consultant for Barclays’ Northern European headquarters in Glasgow, a 400,000 sq. ft. campus comprising three new buildings and two Grade B listed building renovations, set within three acres of regeneration of a brown field site alongside the River Clyde.

Our role focused on embedding inclusive design principles from the outset, ensuring the campus supports people with diverse physical, cognitive, and sensory needs, including neurodiverse users, while fostering wellbeing, productivity, and a sense of belonging for all employees and visitors. This work aligned with Barclays’ ambition to be the most accessible and inclusive FTSE company and to create a barrier-free workplace that goes beyond statutory requirements.

“We’re building our new campus from the ground up so it’s a great opportunity for us to think differently about inclusive design from the start. It has been a delight to work with a business partner that shares the same values of inclusivity as Barclays. Being involved in the early stages of the renovation opened exciting opportunities to push the boundaries of what was possible”.

Kathryn Townsend, Former Head of Customer and Client Accessibility at Barclays UK

Project Scope

Motionspot’s scope included reviewing architectural plans and providing expert guidance to embed inclusive design strategies across the campus. We worked closely with Gensler and the wider Barclays design team to ensure that inclusivity was central to all design decisions.

Inclusive Design Review

Assessed internal layouts for reception areas, offices, meeting rooms, break-out zones, and communal dining, ensuring step-free access, clear circulation, and accessible routes.
Reviewed interior finishes including lighting, contrast, acoustics, biophilia, and signage to support diverse sensory and neurodivergent needs.

Inclusive Design Strategy

Neuroinclusive Design: Developed spaces that support neurodiverse employees, including recalibration rooms, quiet routes, and low-decibel toilet facilities.
Physical Accessibility: Advised on wheelchair-accessible and ambulant toilets, Changing Places facilities, and inclusive break spaces.
Wellbeing & Biophilia: Introduced natural elements and flexible workspaces to enhance productivity and comfort.
Inclusive Product Guidance: Provided recommendations for furniture, finishes, and fittings to ensure consistency across the campus and alignment with an Inclusive Design Standard.

Project Impact

The Glasgow campus has transformed how Barclays supports its employees. Staff, including autistic and employees with disabilities are reporting increased wellbeing, concentration, and sense of belonging, and a higher number of staff have returned to working in the office.

Motionspot’s contributions also influenced the wider community, with Glasgow City Council investing £1.5 million to improve access in the surrounding public realm. The campus has been recognized by the British Council for Offices as a “mixed-use ecosystem that spurs originality and produces new synergies.”

Building on the success of this project, Motionspot continues to work with Barclays to shape their international Inclusive Design Standard, presenting guidance to the Global Corporate Real Estate team and supporting improved accessibility across all Barclays locations.

“Motionspot worked with us to create an inclusive workplace that goes well beyond standard access guidance. Glasgow has paved the way for future developments, enabling us to achieve world leading inclusive design standards and create spaces that are truly inclusive for all.” “Every £1 we spent on inclusive design saved us £100 in retrofits later. Plus, our inclusively designed offices have enabled Barclays to employ more disabled employees including autistic staff into technical roles. And our employees are reporting a greater sense of wellbeing, belonging and improved concentration in the workplace.”

Ron Coghill, Former Director, Major Projects Delivery Lead, Barclays