Download our press release here.
We have reopened our newly refurbished branch in the heart of Bishop Auckland following a significant programme of investment and refurbishment.
The branch, at 15 Newgate Street, has been fully modernised to provide customers with a brighter and more comfortable experience, with even better access to services, information and advice. It also features greatly improved facilities for customers to discuss all aspects of personal financial planning.
A dedicated community space forms part of the new design which is available for local people and community groups to book and use free of charge for events and activities, subject to Covid guidelines.
Investment into the Bishop Auckland branch is part of our commitment to maintaining access to face-to-face financial services in local communities. After a Covid-enforced pause, we have restarted our multi-million pound branch investment programme, having recently opening a newly refurbished branch in West Denton and revealed plans for a brand new community partnership branch in Tynemouth.
Vita Staples, Bishop Auckland Branch Manager, said: “We’re all so pleased to start 2022 by opening the doors of our newly refurbished branch. A lot of work has gone into the space – it’s looking amazing - and I’m sure customers will enjoy coming to see us again. I’m really excited about the new community space which is such a nice addition to the branch and helps us celebrate the reopening with the wider community as well as our members.”
We first opened a branch in Bishop Auckland in 2019, moving into a unit left vacant by Virgin Money. The investment and refurbishment of the branch was part of the plan for our presence in the town but had to be rescheduled due to COVID-19.
Stuart Miller, Chief Customer Officer, said: “The investment we’ve made into our newly refurbished branch in Bishop Auckland is a great example of our commitment to communities and demonstrates our belief in the value of friendly, local customer service. There are ambitious plans for Bishop Auckland and especially since the town secured significant funding from the government’s Future High Streets Fund, it has the potential to create a really positive future.
“After putting a pause on our branch investment programme because of the pandemic it’s great to cement our commitment to the town and we’re looking forward to welcoming new customers and seeing some familiar faces again.”