Date: Tuesday 03 May 2022
James Geldart, Managing Director of Santander International’s Isle of Man Branch, explained: ‘For some time now we have wanted to provide a more modern banking environment for our valued customers, and I’m delighted to confirm that work will be starting this summer. When the work is completed we will be able to offer customers a new banking hall and exciting new office spaces for our staff to work in.’
Santander International is due to close its branch and offices on Prospect Hill from 22 July until March next year to enable the refurbishment of the premises to take place. The multi-million pounds revamp will also see the Santander International staff relocate to a temporary office whilst the building works take place.
Customers can be reassured they will receive full support during the refurbishment works and branch staff will continue to be available to help customers during the closure period.
The project further demonstrates the company’s ongoing commitment to the Isle of Man which has already seen the expansion of its operations and workforce – showcasing the bank’s long-term confidence in the local market.
‘We are aware of the value to our customers of being able to talk to a friendly and familiar voice so, during the refurbishment, both our Telephone and Online Banking services will remain available and customers will be able to contact our dedicated Customer Services team when they require assistance or help with everyday account transactions,’ James continued. ‘They will also still be able to write, phone or email us as normal.’
As part of the redesign, Santander International also took a comprehensive look at how customers have been using its local branch services and found some significant changes in the way people manage their money.
James added: ‘There is clearly an evolution in banking and, in recent years, many more of our customers have found it convenient to carry out their day-to-day banking using Online or Telephone Banking. Our review identified that fewer than one per cent of our customers regularly use the branch counter for cash deposits or withdrawals and this finding will be reflected as part of our investment in modernising the Douglas branch.
‘When we re-open in 2023, we will resume our branch services with cheque deposits and other payment services, as well as general account services and appointments and mortgage appointments. Counter services for cash deposits and withdrawals won’t return but we will still offer ATM cash machine services.
‘We’d like to thank our customers in advance for their understanding whilst our building works take place and I can assure that customers we remain here to support them and are committed to a large-scale investment plan on the Island which includes premises, new jobs and a diversified product range.
‘We have written to our local customers with more detail about the forthcoming changes to our branch services and anyone with questions can also speak to our staff by popping into the branch before it closes on 22 July, or by phoning or emailing us.’