Work on creating a modern new look at the Whickham branch of the North East’s biggest building society is set to kick off this week.
Newcastle Building Society is creating enhanced premises on the town’s Front Street as part of a continuing multi-million pound investment programme across the whole of its branch network.
The refurbished 1,000 sq ft branch will provide Society customers with better access to services, information and advice in a open plan environment, as well as additional space for their transactions.
A community area also forms part of the new design, which will provide a free space in which local people, groups and good causes can hold meetings and events.
To allow for the refurbishment work to take place, the branch will close at 1pm on Friday 26 October and is scheduled to welcome customers into its bright new branch environment when it reopens in mid-December.
Stuart Miller, customer director of Newcastle Building Society, said: “The Society remains wholly committed to a modern branch network that sits right at the heart of our communities, and to providing face-to-face services in high quality locations.
“This is the latest stage of our continuing investment in new premises and technology right across the network, which contrasts with the decisions made by many other financial institutions to reduce their presence in many towns and cities across our region.
“Our nearby West Denton branch, and the Northumberland Street and Portland House branches in Newcastle city centre are available to serve Whickham customers while we’re creating our new, open plan, accessible space.
“While we are sorry for any inconvenience that the temporary closure of the Whickham branch might cause, we think our customers will love what’s available to them when it reopens in time for Christmas.”