Newcastle Building Society continues to buck the national trend of branch closures with a six-figure investment into its Hartlepool and Middlesbrough branches.
Following a two-month refurbishment, we were delighted to welcome customers, colleagues and community groups to our Hartlepool branch last week, to celebrate its re-opening.
On hand to cut the ribbon and declare the new branch officially open was Hartlepool Mayor, Cllr. Carole Thompson, alongside the Mayor’s Consort, Cllr. Phil Holbrook, Hartlepool Labour MP, Jonathan Brash, Leader of Hartlepool Borough Council, Cllr. Brenda Harrison, and Society Chief Executive, Andrew Haigh and Hartlepool Branch Manager, Carrieanne Wilford.
In Middlesbrough, the doors to our new branch were opened in the same week, following its relocation on Linthorpe Road, a short walk from its previous premises.
Like Hartlepool, our new Middlesbrough branch features the latest in branch design and accessibility, in a more prominent town centre location, as well as offering a brand new community space.
Andrew Haigh, CEO: “Access to face-to-face financial services and advice remains a concern to our customers as a steady flow of banks continue to close their doors. We’re committed to listening to our customers and so we’re delighted to make long-term commitments to Middlesbrough and Hartlepool with these investments."
Since 2015, more than 6,100 bank branches have closed across the UK, including several in the North East, forcing customers to travel miles to get to their nearest branch and making it harder for some people to manage their money.
Despite this national trend, we’re continuing to invest in our branch network.
Over recent years we’ve opened branches in several new locations by sharing space in community hubs, and helping to restore access to financial services in places where banks have left town. Including opening a brand new branch in Pickering, North Yorkshire, as well as a community partnership branch in North Shields this year.
Future plans include continuing work on our new flagship community branch in Newcastle city centre, and working with North Tyneside Council to open a new branch in Tynemouth Library.
Download the press release (PDF, 179kB).
