The Isle of Wight’s only Santander bank branch will close in January for refurbishment works as the bank cuts back on counter space and redecorates.
The Newport branch, on the corner of Pyle Street and St James’ Square, will close on January 8 to allow improvements to be carried out.
Proposals submitted in June show the international bank giant plans to shrink the number of counters from five to two and add a TV screen in the window, running adverts 24 hours a day.
The branch’s lit-up hanging signs could be replaced with new ones on a timed switch.
Bank customers can also expect a new waiting area and a self-service room.
The cash machines would stay, while the timber Grade II listed shopfront would be repaired to modernise the branch.
The Newport bank is the last remaining on the Isle of Wight after Santander’s Ryde High Street branch closed four years ago.
During the refurbishment, the nearest branches are in Portsmouth and Southampton, with a message underneath a notice in the Newport bank’s window reading: “We look forward to welcoming you there.”
The branch is expected to reopen on February 2.
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