Building society further expands branch offer

Newcastle Building Society is expanding its support for high streets and communities with further investment in its regional branch network.

The building society, which is the eighth largest in the UK and the biggest in the North East, has announced plans to move its Middlesbrough branch to a larger, more prominent location on Linthorpe Road, continuing its multi-million-pound investment in face-to-face services.

This move is part of the Society’s broader strategy to enhance its branch presence while many banks are closing nationwide. Over recent years, the Society has opened branches in several new locations, increasing its network of branches to 32, helping to restore access to financial services in places where many banks have disappeared.

Michael Conville, chief customer officer at Newcastle Building Society, said: “The relocation and investment into our Middlesbrough branch follows hot on the heels of the opening of our new Pickering and North Shields branches earlier this year, and we can’t wait to welcome our members in to use our facilities.

“The trend of bank branch closures continues to cause problems in our communities, putting people at risk of financial exclusion.

“Time and again, customers tell us how worried they are about branch closures, and how unhappy they are at the additional time and cost of travelling further to visit their branch.”

Scheduled to open in December, the new branch will offer improved meeting spaces, modern facilities, and a free community room for local charities and groups, further strengthening the Society’s commitment to local engagement.

Michael added: “We know there are times when only a branch will do, and we understand the reassurance that comes with being able to pop into a local branch.

“We’re seeing the evidence that this is what our communities want as people vote with their feet and both savings balances and our customer numbers continue to grow.

“Branches help knit their communities together, and local charities and groups will continue to have access to our dedicated, free-to-use community space.”

Future plans include the creation of a new flagship community branch in Newcastle city centre, as well as plans for a new branch in Tynemouth library to be delivered in partnership with North Tyneside Council.

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