Loughborough has regained its HSBC bank a year after its previous branch was devastated by fire. A multi-million-pound investment has seen the bank open its new branch just a few doors down from the site of the shocking blaze.
The new Loughborough HSBC is based at 31 Cattle Market, just a few doors down from the former site in Market Place. It was on Wednesday, March 15 last year that the bank was left severely damaged by the fire which investigators determined to be an accident from an electrical fault.
The Market Place bank has been closed ever since, with pop-up services at neighbouring Loughborough Town Hall held in the months following the fire. Now, a new state-of-the-art branch has opened.
The new flagship branch is the result of a multi-million-pound investment. It features ‘innovative’ accessibility enhancements and the latest technology to improve customer experience, including braille signage, a sensory family room, and advanced cash machines.
Gursh Bassi, HSBC UK local director said: “HSBC’s connection to Loughborough is long-standing, having started at the beginning of the 20th Century, and our grounding within the community is one of the reasons why we’re so excited to re-open the doors of our branch.”
The new layout will ‘prioritise physical accessibility’ says a spokesperson, with height-adjustable desks, a mobility scooter charging point, hearing loops, quiet zones, and a Safe Space for discreet outreach. A sensory room includes a Duplo wall and fidget toys for children.
Work on the former HSBC building is ongoing according to bosses, with efforts continuing to return it to its former state before the fire. HSBC UK will continue to offer services in the Syston and Oakham banking hubs and the new branch.
