Essex Library Service and Saffron Building Society are expanding their partnership by relocating the building society's Brentwood branch to Brentwood Library. This is the second such collaboration following the success of a similar branch in Braintree Library.
What the Move Entails
Saffron Building Society has begun work to relocate its existing high street branch into the library. Once complete, library users will have access to face-to-face support from building society colleagues, information on savings accounts and services, help to build financial confidence and wellbeing, and community banking and cash services. These will be in addition to existing library services, with no reduction in books or changes to essential offerings.
Community Hub Model
The partnership reflects a growing trend of libraries evolving into vibrant community hubs, supporting the council's wider effort to make libraries more accessible and useful. By bringing a broader range of services under one roof, the initiative aims to provide greater convenience for local residents.
Anna Plucknett, head of the Essex Libraries Service, said: "By bringing these services under one roof, we are creating an even stronger community hub for Brentwood and helping ensure our libraries continue to meet the evolving needs of local people. Residents will continue to enjoy everything the library has to offer, while also benefiting from convenient access to face-to-face financial support and community banking services."
Timeline and Impact
Building work to create the new branch is expected to be completed in mid to late August 2026, with no disruption to library services during construction. The new branch will officially open in September 2026.
Kelly Bixby, head of retail at Saffron Building Society, said: "Our successful partnership with Essex Library Service in Braintree has shown the value of bringing trusted community services together in one accessible location. Building on that success, we are delighted to be creating a new home for our Brentwood branch within the library, making it easier for local people to access financial and community services under one roof."
Bixby added: "While our location is changing, our commitment remains the same. Members and local residents will continue to receive the face-to-face support they value, including help with savings, financial wellbeing and everyday banking. We look forward to welcoming both existing and new customers to our new branch."
