The Cumberland Building Society is preparing to reopen its flagship branch in Carlisle city centre following a six-figure investment.
It described the branch on English Street – due to open 14th October – as its ‘branch of the future’ with features to make banking more straightforward for customers while also protecting the environment.
Claire Deekes, chief customer officer at Cumberland Building Society, said: “This has been a significant investment that will allow us to continue to provide our outstanding service to our members in the heart of Carlisle.
“There’ll be more space, and the same friendly faces delivering our award-winning customer experience and service.”
Customers entering the English Street branch will be welcomed by employees in an open plan space, providing an opportunity for customers to bank in the way they want to, as part of what the society referred to as a ‘kinder’ banking experience.
Upstairs, there are quieter spaces for private conversations, and on the top floor, office space and a meeting room available for education across the community.
The design was developed in homage to Cumbria reflecting the natural environment in the green décor, brickwork, fabrics and use of Lazonby sandstone and its industrial heritage in the oak floors and lacquered black steel.
There are displays of landmarks and landscapes from local photographers, digital screens to showcase scenery as well as banking services, and a magnificent stained-glass window celebrating the Lake District created by Brampton artist Alex Haynes.
Colleagues were also provided with a new uniform to complement the environment of the new branch design, taking inspiration from the natural Cumbrian landscape.
The Cumberland is committed to providing banking services that are “kinder to people and the planet.”
As such, the refurbishment incorporated measures to minimise the carbon footprint such as solar panels, low energy lighting, a heat recovery system, and new windows to cut heat loss.
The branch also features step-free access and wide spaces for customers who require more support.
The modern service at the newly refurbished branch means the society will relocate the nearby branches in Fisher Street and Denton Holme into the flagship English Street location on 11th October and 8th November respectively. Both are within walking distance of English Street.
Customers based at Fisher Street and Denton Holme have been contacted about the relocation.
Deekes added: “We are committed to providing banking services in a way that customers want to use them. You’ll always be able to speak to a real person when you come to us.
“We’re looking forward to welcoming customers and the community to our new flagship branch from Monday 14 October.”
