Manchester Building Society has formally opened its new branch at 74 King Street following a multi-million-pound refurbishment.
Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham and Manchester City Council Leader Bev Craig were among those who cut the ribbon to officially launch the branch, which also includes a free-to-use community space for local charities and groups.
The opening comes as the North West remains one of the regions most affected by branch closures, with more than 750 branches closing nationally since 2015, leaving many without access to face-to-face financial support or cash services.
Designed to be welcoming and accessible to customers and non-customers alike, the new site offers savings and mortgage services, support from a professional financial adviser from Newcastle Financial Advisers, and access to in-person help with financial planning.
The Grade II-listed building will also serve as the workplace for the society’s Manchester-based colleagues.
Andrew Haigh, Manchester Building Society chief executive, said: “We’re absolutely thrilled to formally cut the ribbon at our King Street branch and celebrate such a huge milestone in the Manchester Building Society story with our customers, colleagues and partners.
“The branch is more than a place for accessible, friendly, and trusted conversations about money, and its more than a place for our communities to gather and our colleagues to work. Opening the King Street branch marks the start of a new era for Manchester Building Society. It’s the beginning of our journey to make a lasting impact on the high streets and in the communities of Greater Manchester in delivery of our purpose to connect communities with a better financial future.”
Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham said: “Manchester Building Society’s new King Street branch is fantastic news for Manchester and a welcome investment that will deliver jobs and create footfall.
“Many of our residents rely on or prefer in-person support with their money, so this is a welcome investment in accessible, face-to-face banking for our communities.
“It’s also great to see Manchester Building Society is opening up a space in its branch to charities and community groups, showing the kind of commitment to local people that strengthens Greater Manchester.”
Councillor Bev Craig, Leader of Manchester City Council, said: “We welcome Manchester Building Society’s substantial investment in our city centre, which creates employment opportunities for Manchester residents and restores essential banking services to King Street.
“By basing their colleagues here and providing community space for local partnerships, they’re contributing to our economic growth and supporting our ambition to Make Manchester Fairer.”
Joe Manning, managing director at MIDAS, Manchester’s inward investment agency, added: “Manchester Building Society’s investment in a physical presence on King Street demonstrates its confidence in Greater Manchester.
“The multi-million-pound commitment creates jobs and economic opportunities locally, delivering positive impact as Greater Manchester continues to be the UK’s fastest-growing economy.”
