Yahoo News HSBC Middlesbrough closed for 'significant refurbishment'
HSBC Middlesbrough is set to undergo a major refurbishment, transforming it into one of the bank's flagship branches.
The branch closed on Friday, May 16, for the revamp which is expected to take 15 weeks, with a planned reopening date of August 28. The extensive makeover necessitates a temporary closure, but upon reopening, HSCB claims the branch will offer several new features:
* A redesigned banking hall layout and improved areas for customer service;
* Enhanced facilities for disabled customers or those in wheelchairs, including height-adjustable tables;
* An area for customer seminars, potentially covering topics such as financial wellbeing or guidance on avoiding fraud or scams;
* Redecoration and new flooring, modern furniture and signage;
* Cutting-edge technology to assist customers with cash deposits and withdrawals.
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Joanne Wade, HSBC UK's local director for the area, said: "This is a significant investment of hundreds of thousands of pounds in our Middlesbrough branch and the local community, and it will create a greatly improved and enhanced experience for our customers. The changes we will be making to our Middlesbrough branch will mean customers have a much more modern and better designed branch, with space for customer events like seminars to help protect against fraud and scams."
She added: "We have been talking to customers about the temporary closure for the last month, and while we are having the work done people can continue to use their nearest Post Office for day to day transactions, plus mobile and online banking is available 24/7 in addition to being able to call our contact centre. Customers can find the best number on the back of their debit or credit card."
Customers can use any other branch, with Stockton being the closest. Throughout the closure, HSBC UK representatives will be available at a 'Pop-Up Branch' at the Town Hall, which is just across the road from the branch.
The pop-up will operate from Tuesday, May 21, and will be every Tuesday and Friday from 10am-4pm and Saturdays 9am-1pm, until Saturday, August 17. The pop up will provide support including online and mobile banking registrations and resets, and education on digital banking, although no cash services will be available.
