Barclays to open NEW branches and extend opening hours in massive boost for customers

BARCLAYS is rolling out a string of new branches and longer opening hours across the UK in a major shake-up designed to make banking easier for customers. The high street giant is set to open new branches in Poole and Bishop’s Stortford later this month, with another branch opening in Beverley in November. The move is part of a wider plan by the bank to modernise its network of branches up and down the country, with more openings expected before the end of 2026. Alongside the new branches, Barclays has already extended opening hours across its entire network, creating more than 60,000 extra hours of in-branch availability every year. Sign up for the Money newsletter Thank you! The bank says the changes come as more customers turn to online and mobile banking for everyday tasks, but still want face-to-face help for bigger financial decisions. The new branches in Poole, Bishop’s Stortford and Beverley will include self-service technology for routine banking, as well as private consultation rooms where customers can get expert advice. This will include support for things like buying a home, planning for retirement or making investment decisions, according to the bank. It comes as Barclays also continues to roll out its Premier Banking Suites and smart ATMs across its branches. Vim Maru, chief executive of Barclays UK, said the new branches show the bank’s “commitment to investing in communities across the UK and ensuring customers can reach our people when it matters most”. He added: “While customers increasingly choose digital banking for everyday transactions, we know that some of life’s most important financial decisions, whether buying a home, planning for retirement or investing for the future, benefit from a personal conversation with one of our colleagues.” Most read in Money Mr Maru said the new branches “have been designed around those moments, providing customers with access to specialist support, alongside the convenience of self-service and digital banking”. He continued: “Our ambition is to give customers the best of both worlds: leading digital services for day-to-day banking and the expertise of our colleagues for more complex needs. “By bringing these together, we’re creating a banking experience that offers greater choice, flexibility and confidence, however our customers choose to bank.” Comment now