Cash Access UK has confirmed that the lease for the permanent Banking Hub property in Tonbridge has now been completed.
The new permanent hub will be located at Unit 5, The Pavilion, TN9 1TE, taking over the site of the former Wimpy restaurant. Work on fitting out the building is expected to commence on 25 May, with the official opening anticipated in approximately two to three months.
Sally-Jayne Pearce, who has been overseeing the progress of the hub, shared the update today, expressing excitement that the permanent site is finally secured. She noted that she will continue to keep the community updated as works progress on the site.
A convenient central location
The choice of the old Wimpy building places the permanent Banking Hub in one of the busiest and most central parts of the town. This highly visible location will offer a convenient spot for residents looking to access face-to-face banking services. For those who need to drive into the town centre, the proximity to the Sainsbury’s car park provides easy parking nearby.
Until the renovations are complete and the new site opens its doors, residents can continue to use the temporary Banking Hub. This interim service is currently operating from the Tonbridge Castle Offices on Castle Street, opening from 09:00 to 17:00 Monday to Thursday, and 09:00 to 16:30 on Fridays.
Countering years of local bank closures
The establishment of a permanent hub marks a significant turning point for the area, which has seen a steady decline in traditional banking facilities. Over the last five years, Tonbridge has been hit by a succession of branch closures, leaving residents and businesses with fewer options for managing their money.
Major brands have systematically withdrawn from the town, with Santander being the most recent to close its local branch. These departures have left a noticeable void, particularly for residents and small business owners who rely on in-person services for more complex transactions.
Enhanced services and local cash access updates
In a further boost to the service, the Banking Hub Community Banker rota now includes Santander on a Thursday. While Santander customers can use the standard counter services on any day the hub is open, those requiring a face-to-face chat should visit on a Thursday. The current weekly schedule for community bankers at the hub is:
- Monday: HSBC
- Tuesday: NatWest
- Wednesday: Barclays
- Thursday: Santander
- Friday: Lloyds
Meanwhile, changes to local cash availability continue elsewhere. Following the closure of the Morrisons supermarket on Quarry Hill Road, the town has lost the cashpoint and deposit machine that was located inside the store. Sally-Jayne Pearce confirmed she has raised this loss with Cash Access UK, although a formal request for a review is not being pursued at this stage.
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