First new Cov Building Society branch in the city for 16 years

COVENTRY Building Society has opened the doors at its first new branch in the city for 16 years.

The new branch was set to open at Warwickshire Shopping Park in Binley on Thursday and we were given a look behind the scenes before it opened for business.

The new branch is part of a £5.5m investment to transform the society’s branch network across the city.

The society, the second largest building society in the UK, has been rolling out its new branch design since 2019 and says it is set to continue to upgrade and improve its network of branches in the city and across the country over the next few years.

Warwickshire Shopping Park is the first new branch to open in Coventry since the Arena Retail Park in 2005.

Matt Mannings, head of branch network at Coventry Building Society, said: “Our investment in Coventry branches is a clear commitment to our members that we’ll continue to offer great face-to-face service across the city for years to come.

“The new branch looks fantastic inside and out and we think people will respond really positively when they see it - just as they have at the new-look branches in Cheylesmore, Jubilee Crescent and at the Arena Retail Park.

“Our aim is to give members and our branch team the best possible environment, one that is warm, personal and friendly.

“The new design does just that, using technology to enhance the human touch not replace it.”

He added: “We’re investing across our network from Sheffield down to Somerset because we know face-to-face branch service is just as valuable and important to members as our Coventry-based call centre or website.

“That has been even more apparent in the past year as we’ve kept our branches open throughout the pandemic for those who have needed us.

“Investing such large sums of our members’ money means we have to think carefully about making sure we have our branches in the right locations.

“People’s shopping habits have changed over the years and we’re adapting to that by making sure our branches suit those habits too.

“Our market research shows that the ideal places for our branches is close to the busiest shopping areas and with easier parking and nearby transport links.

“Warwickshire Shopping Park is an ideal spot for members living and working locally in Binley, Stoke and Walsgrave, as well as those who will travel across the city to shop at places like M&S Food, Asda Living, H&M and many others.

“Outside of lockdown, it’s one of the largest retail centres in the city and attracts around 34,000 visitors per week, so we know plenty of our members will use it as part of their regular shopping routines.”

The society says the new branch look has been created following input from branch teams, members and disability groups to make sure each branch is “warm, welcoming and accessible”.

It has dedicated meeting areas along with a community heart to highlight local good causes and fundraising activity.

Amy Haines, branch manager at the new Warwickshire Shopping Park branch, said: “Everyone in the team is excited to open the doors on Thursday.

“We’re not expecting to be too busy as we’ve asked people during the lockdown to follow government guidance and only visit us if it is essential.

“But when we are back to normal, we know this branch will be very popular because it’s so easy to get to and there are some great shops all around us.

“When they can call in, some of our members should be able to recognise a few familiar faces as our whole team is made up of people from nearby branches.

“It’s going to be reassuring for our members and it’ll also be nice for us to stay in touch with people who we’ve all got to know really well over the years.”