Toon legend swaps scoring for saving at Newcastle Building Society branch opening

Newcastle United legend Shola Ameobi cut the ribbon to officially open Newcastle Building Society’s new branch in West Denton.

The former Magpies striker grew up just a few miles away and was guest of honour at a special event for customers and local residents at the Society’s new location in the Denton Park Centre.

The new branch, which sees the Society occupy a prominent unit next to Morrison’s supermarket just a short walk from its previous location, is designed to provide customers with even better access to financial services, information and advice. The branch features improved meeting spaces for customers to discuss all aspects of personal financial planning.

A six-figure investment into the West Denton branch is part of the Society’s commitment to maintaining access to face-to-face financial services in local communities. After a Covid-enforced pause, the Society re-commenced its multi-million pound branch investment programme, which also includes a full refurbishment of its branch in Bishop Auckland and plans to open a brand new community branch in the library in Tynemouth.

A dedicated community room forms part of the new design in West Denton and is available for local people and community groups to use free of charge for events and activities.

Andrew Haigh, chief executive officer at Newcastle Building Society, said: “After the challenges and uncertainties of the past couple of years, it’s such a great feeling to be able to formally open our new location in West Denton. Whilst other financial institutions are closing branches, this is another important milestone in our branch investment programme and underlines our ongoing commitment to being present on our region’s high streets.”

In 2020 Newcastle Building Society announced details of another major investment in the community west of Newcastle, through a multi-year partnership with Newcastle United Foundation. The relationship will support the development of the Foundation’s new home, a multi-functional community building – NUCASTLE powered by Newcastle Building Society. The facility, which is due to open in March 2022, will be a hub for the whole community providing an accessible and inclusive centre for learning, recreation, exercise, and personal development.  Just a goal kick away from St James Park, the building also features an open air rooftop pitch.

Andrew added: “We’re absolutely committed to our communities and in places like West Denton that means investing to provide customers with first-class branch facilities. It also means finding other ways to support the community over the long term, which is why we’ve invested heavily through our partnership with Newcastle United Foundation to create a sustainable legacy, helping them build a world-class community facility just a few miles away, to give the next generation more opportunities to thrive.”

Former United striker and now Trustee at the Foundation, Shola Ameobi was on hand to formally open the branch and welcome another key investment in the community.

He said: “It’s great to be involved and celebrate one of two important investments by Newcastle Building Society in this part of the city. I know they’re passionate about the community in Newcastle and the work they’re doing to support Newcastle United Foundation is incredible. I’m pleased to be able to see what their new West Denton branch means to customers.”

Find out more about Newcastle Building Society, including details of your nearest branch at www.newcastle.co.uk