The HSBC UK Grey Street branch in Newcastle has re-opened on Monday 18th October following a fundamental facelift that has seen it closed for 16 weeks, the bank announced today.
In addition to substantial work to update the exterior of the branch, including new signage, the refurbishment has completely reformatted the branch interior alongside full re-decoration, new furniture and, amongst other things, it will provide:
- Three upgraded ground floor counter positions;
- A full suite of self-service machines including cash, cheque deposit machines;
- Better-designed areas for customer service;
- A digital education zone;
- Advice on wealth and investments;
- Servicing of business as well as retail accounts; and
- An area set aside for customer seminars, which could include talks on financial wellbeing or how to avoid becoming the victim of fraud.
Jo Wade, HSBC UK’s Local Director for Newcastle, said: “We are continuing to invest millions of pounds into our branch network to create a better banking experience for our customers. The changes that we are making to our Grey Street branch will mean customers have a much more modern branch, with increased space in the banking hall, plus a digital education zone and an area for customer seminars where we can inform groups of customers on important issues, like helping them with their financial wellbeing or to keep them safe from fraudsters.
“While we are investing in our branch network nationally as well as in Newcastle, the direction of travel for customer behaviour is quite clear – customers are becoming more comfortable primarily using online and mobile banking to take control of their finances, turning to other channels for very particular interactions. That could be to get face-to-face advice, when they have a complex financial issue, or they want to discuss how a major life event will affect their finances, whether that is an expected new addition to the family or a bereavement.”
Jo Wade continued: “Whichever their preference, we are there for them in Newcastle and we look forward to welcoming our customers in one of our first state-of-the-art branches, and a much more customer-friendly environment.”
