A new banking hub will open in York, it has been confirmed.
It comes after the final bank in Acomb – the Halifax on York road – has extended its services to 15 May 2025, to ensure that there will be no gap in banking service provision between the existing bank and the new hub.
Cash Access UK has confirmed that the permanent banking hub was coming to Acomb, and that a date and location would be announced very shortly. It is expected to open in the spring.
The closure of the Halifax was originally due to happen in January.
After the announcement, the Liberal Democrat councillor for Westfield ward, Andrew Waller, launched a petition calling for the bank to stay open.
People were told about the plans for a hub at a public meeting with Cash For Access UK last Thursday, which York Central MP Rachael Maskell also spoke at.
The new permanent banking hub will include an external free ATM, a counter with up to two members of staff to serve private and business customers of all major banks 9am to 5pm every weekday, and a private room for appointments with representatives of different major banks each day.
To ensure no gap in service, a temporary banking hub is also being established before the permanent version opens. The location of this is still in discussion, and Cash Access UK welcome suggestions for additional local sites in the Front Street area.
Mr Reece also confirmed that the new banking hub will open on Front Street itself, though the location can’t yet be confirmed. He also reiterated that residents can access many banking services through existing Post Office locations and will continue to do so.
Jordan Reece, community engagement officer at Cash Access UK, said: “It’s going to be a great service for the community, providing essential face-to-face banking services and ensure that Acomb has access to cash after Halifax closes down.
“The banking hub will provide customers the ability to pay in cheques and pay utility bills every day for all major banks.
“It will also provide services to small businesses, and every day of the week a different bank will provide representatives so that customers can sit down face-to-face and talk to staff from their own bank for more complex queries.”
Ms Maskell said: “I know the community were shocked when the last bank in Acomb announced its closure, however I have been working closely with the past and present Government to secure future banking services in York.
“I was therefore delighted that Cash Access UK were granted the opportunity to run the new banking hub, in the community and I have been working closely with them since the announcement.”