The new Carlisle branch of the North East’s biggest building society has opened its doors to the public.
Newcastle Building Society has created a new open plan branch at 65 English Street, just a short distance from its existing Carlisle office on the same street, as part of a continuing multi-million pound investment programme across the whole of its branch network.
As well as creating a modern space with all the facilities that customers would expect, the Society has maintained the key existing features of its new Carlisle home, including its grand staircase, stained glass window and feature ceiling.
A Christmas-themed official opening event will be taking place on 6 December.
The new 2,000 sq ft branch provides customers with better access to services, information and advice, as well as improved meeting spaces in which they can discuss all aspects of personal financial planning.
A community area also forms part of the design, and provides a free space in which local people, groups and good causes can share information about events and activities that are happening in the local area.
Stuart Miller, customer director of Newcastle Building Society, said: “Our branch investment programme is designed to ensure our customers have access to the high quality services and facilities that they expect from a modern financial institution.
“We secured a fantastic space in which to make our new Carlisle home, and our project teams have done a brilliant job in creating the modern, open plan environment we wanted while also maintaining the building’s historic character and features.
“At a time when many financial institutions are closing branches in towns and cities across the region, we are fully committed to maintaining and enhancing a modern branch network that sits right at the heart of both our operations and our communities.
“Our Carlisle branch team is looking forward to welcoming customers old and new into the new branch, and we’re certain everyone will be impressed by what they see.”