Newcastle Building Society continues multi-million pound programme to overhaul regional network

The region’s biggest building society is continuing its multi-million pound investment, set to see the complete refurbishment of its entire North East and Cumbria branch network.

Having completed 12 of its branches, Newcastle Building Society will upgrade or relocate the remaining 16 branches by early 2020.

Once complete, its entire network will feature the new modern, open plan branch design successfully introduced elsewhere across its 28 branch network.

The Society most recently relocated its Durham branch and advice centre to Saddler Street in the city centre, creating a 1,400 sq ft space which provides customers better access to services, information and advice, as well as improved meeting spaces.

Stuart Miller, customer director at Newcastle Building Society, said: “At a time when many financial institutions are closing branches in towns across the region, we remain fully committed to keeping our branch network at the heart of both our operations and our communities.

“We are attracting new customers where the bigger banks have pulled out of high street locations.”

Its branches in Carlisle and on Gosforth High Street are next on the list for investment with work scheduled to be complete at both branches before the end of the year.

The Durham relocation followed branch upgrades in Cramlington and North Shields, relocations in Gateshead, Darlington and Chester-le-Street, the launch of two new Branch and Advice Centres in Newcastle, and a partnership branch which opened in Yarm Library.

Full details of each project will be announced locally in advance.

Stuart Miller added: “The provision of face-to-face financial advice and branch services on the High Street is vital to supporting sustainable local communities.

“Our branches, services and colleagues are at the heart of our communities. It is also our intention that wherever possible, our branch relocation and refurbishment programme will provide meeting spaces that the local community can also make use of.”