Santander officially opens redesigned branch in Plymouth

On Tuesday 7 January 2020, Santander UK will officially open its newly redesigned branch at 157-159 Armada Way, Plymouth, PL1 1JF.  The new-look branch has been designed to deliver even better customer service and community-friendly banking.

The branch will be opened by Toby Gorniak MBE and Jo Gorniak, founders and directors of local charity Street Factory CIC, who will cut the ribbon on Tuesday morning. Street Factory CIC works with young and disadvantaged people in Plymouth, helping them explore their potential and passions through the performing arts.

Visitors to the branch will be able to enter a tombola, raffle and for our younger guests, a children’s colouring competition. A sweet stall will be available for those with a sweet tooth and colleagues will be taking part in a seven-hour cycling challenge on an exercise bike in branch. All money raised will be split between Street Factory CIC and Provide Devon, a charity that provides food and essentials to local people in crisis. 

Colleagues in branch will also be running a Scam Avoidance School, to give customers hints and tips to avoid being caught out by scams. There will also be a free first-time buyer event to help those looking to start their homeownership journey in 2020 understand the complex homebuying process.

The new branch design includes facilities such as: digital workstations with tablets for online banking; Express Banking with a new ATM wall; counter services for more secure transactions and; private interview rooms for anyone who might need additional time or privacy to discuss their financial affairs.  The branch will also feature a picture wall to display local community initiatives, such as Santander Foundation grants.

It will also be equipped with talking ATMs giving customers the option to plug in headphones and be guided through their transaction by voice assistance, with or without the use of the ATM screen. 

The branch is managed by Elaine Bleazard and employs 24 staff, including a Mortgage and Protection Advisor and Financial Planning Manager.

Santander’s Head of Branches, Adam Bishop said: “Banking is changing at a rapid pace and we wanted to create a branch that can accommodate the needs of all our local customers.  That means combining traditional banking facilities, and a focus on delivering great customer service, with modern, digital services including free Wi-Fi, customer tablets and digital ATMs. 

“Santander branches are an important part of many communities and our investment in this branch reflects our commitment to Plymouth”