The new branch will hold its official opening event on 7 and 8 September with branch staff running free activities for children, such as piggy bank painting.

The news of the concept branch comes after Nationwide’s branch promise announcement earlier this year, to not leave any town or city, in which it is currently based, without a branch until at least May 2021.

The new branch will provide a range of services for members and give them access the Society’s face-to-face high definition video service, Nationwide NOW. Members will be greeted by friendly and knowledgeable staff, who will provide informed support and guidance, in addition to arranging appointments for more in-depth discussions. This new format looks to move away from the more traditional counter service while combining the latest technology with the human touch.

The branch will feature the Society’s new design that is currently being rolled out across the UK. The design allows members to do their banking in a way that suits them best - whether using in-branch technology1 to speak to a mortgage advisor or to access their accounts via an iPad. As part of Nationwide’s role in the community, the branch will also feature a dedicated community space which local groups will be able to use.

Heather Hazley, Regional Director at Nationwide Building Society, said, “We are delighted to be opening a new branch in Sheffield at Meadowhall Shopping Centre, with the added benefit to members of access seven days a week, and evening opening times. We understand our members want convenience and great service, especially in a busy shopping centre, so this concept branch is a great way to serve them while we test and learn from what we are doing here. This is about the evolving role of the branch in society today and the unmistakable shift in customer needs. We are adapting to ensure we have a branch network that works for our members both today and in the future.”

“As many will hopefully already know, we continue to invest in our network to ensure all our branches are equipped to help, support and guide our members who choose to visit us.”

Nationwide is also opening a new branch in Lichfield later in the year. Nationwide will look to identify how these concept branch formats help to develop the role of the branch and may look to roll out elements of the new design in other new and existing branches.