Barclays to open new branches in UK as it gives major update

Barclays has announced plans to open new bank branches

Barclays has issued a significant announcement on its plans for UK branches. The bank stated it “continues to strengthen its presence in communities across the UK, as it announces investment in branches around the country as part of a broader programme to modernise and evolve its physical network”.

New branches are set to open in Poole and Bishops Stortford this September, with additional openings scheduled before the year’s end, including one in Beverley during November. These relocations and refurbishments are taking place alongside the continued rollout of Premier Suites and the introduction of smart ATMs, the bank confirmed.

Barclays acknowledged that, while “customers increasingly choose digital banking for everyday transactions”, it recognises “that many of life’s most important financial decisions still benefit from expert guidance and face-to-face support”.

The bank explained that these latest developments have been “informed by customer demand and growth opportunities” and are “designed to bring together the best of both worlds: the convenience of digital and self-service banking, alongside access to expert colleagues when customers need it most”.

The new branches in Poole, Bishop’s Stortford and Beverley “reflect changing customer needs”, according to Barclays. In addition to self-service technology for routine transactions, they will feature consultation rooms, private meeting spaces and access to specialist support for customers requiring guidance on more complex banking needs or key life events.

Barclays also announced it had recently extended opening hours across its entire branch network, creating more than 60,000 additional hours of in-branch availability each year.

Vim Maru, chief executive of Barclays UK, said: “The opening of our new branches in Poole, Bishops Stortford, and Beverley is another demonstration of our commitment to investing in communities across the UK and ensuring customers can reach our people when it matters most.

“While customers increasingly choose digital banking for everyday transactions, we know that some of life’s most important financial decisions, whether buying a home, planning for retirement or investing for the future, benefit from a personal conversation with one of our colleagues.

“These new branches have been designed around those moments, providing customers with access to specialist support, alongside the convenience of self-service and digital banking.

“Our ambition is to give customers the best of both worlds: leading digital services for day-to-day banking and the expertise of our colleagues for more complex needs.

“By bringing these together, we’re creating a banking experience that offers greater choice, flexibility and confidence, however our customers choose to bank.”