A high street bank has unveiled a £352,000 transformation of its Southend branch.
NatWest has upgraded the High Street branch as part of its promise to keep branches open until at least 2029.
The investment is part of a wider programme, with more than £50 million being spent across the UK to modernise branches.
Justine Pettitt, branch manager at NatWest Southend, said: "We’re incredibly proud to showcase our refurbished branch here in Southend.
"This significant investment reflects just how important our local community is to us.
"By introducing new technology and creating more welcoming spaces, we’re making banking faster, more personal and more accessible for our customers.
"We’ve also created a much-improved working environment for our colleagues, with enhanced facilities that enable them to deliver the best possible service every day.
"It’s a space designed for everyone – for our customers and for our team."
Read more
-
New reformer Pilates studio set to open in former south Essex high street bank
-
Opening date revealed for bistro at south Essex hospice with MasterChef finalist
-
Social care costs 'aren't sustainable' as Southend Council faces £13m overspend
Upgrades at the Southend branch include a new lounge area, refurbished interview rooms, improved automation machines, and new internal and external branding.
It will also continue to deliver free financial education programmes such as Financial Foundations workshops and the Thrive programme for young people.
Dipesh Mistry, regional director of branch banking for central England, south west and Wales at NatWest, said: "Southend is an important [city] on the Essex coast, with a strong local community and many customers and businesses who value face-to-face banking.
"At NatWest, we’re committed to supporting that community by investing in branches like Southend and keeping services local.
"Our promise to keep our branches open until at least 2029 reflects our commitment to grow alongside the communities we serve here in Essex and across the wider region."
The refurbishment aims to create a more welcoming environment for both customers and staff, with new seating and a plumbed-in water cooler to reduce plastic waste.
One of the interview rooms has been converted into a "Zoom room" to help customers and staff connect with other departments more easily.
NatWest has also upgraded more than 1,030 ATMs, deposit and coin machines across 85 per cent of its branches, including Southend.
The bank continues to offer free financial health checks and support for customers of all ages through its education programmes.
NatWest's Thrive scheme, which targets children as young as five, aims to improve financial literacy and future skills.
Share