The first banking hub in Birmingham has officially opened in Harborne, bringing shared banking services back to the suburb after a wave of high street bank closures. Located at 93a Harborne High Street, the hub allows customers from any bank to perform everyday transactions such as cash withdrawals, deposits, bill payments, balance checks, and change collection.
Response to Bank Closures
The hub is a direct response to the rapid closure of major bank branches in Harborne over recent years, including Santander and Lloyds. Local Labour MP Preet Kaur Gill, who led a five-year campaign against the closures, officially opened the facility. She highlighted the difficulties faced by residents, particularly the elderly and small businesses, who were forced to travel to the city centre for basic banking needs.
Shared Services and Community Bankers
The hub operates as a shared banking space, meaning any resident can use the counter services regardless of their bank. On designated days, community bankers from major banks will be present to offer more detailed advice and services for their own customers. This model ensures face-to-face banking remains accessible for those who rely on it.
Support from Cash Access UK
The hub is provided by Cash Access UK, an organisation dedicated to preserving cash access. CEO Gareth Oakley said: "Our Harborne hub ensures crucial access to cash and face-to-face banking services for residents and businesses across the community. The way we bank and pay for things is changing, which is why we are rolling out solutions including banking hubs as well as deposit ATMs that help small businesses to readily bank cash."
Impact on the Community
MP Preet Kaur Gill added: "It has been a continuous cycle of closures which have impacted residents who rely on High Street banks. Residents have regularly spoken to me about bank closures and the impact it has had on their lives, particularly for elderly people and local businesses, with residents forced to make longer journeys to the city centre to simply access their cash. After years of campaigning, I am thrilled the Harborne Banking Hub is open. It is an exciting addition to one of Birmingham's most thriving and vibrant high streets."
Opening Hours and Future Plans
The hub is open Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm, providing consistent access for the community. As part of a broader national initiative, more banking hubs are expected to be rolled out across the UK to combat the decline in physical bank branches.
