NatWest has launched a community banking hub within centre:mk Milton Keynes, providing a base and support for local enterprise activity.
Located on Midsummer Arcade, the new 10,800sq ft NatWest community hub is the fourth of its kind in the UK and offers a range of specialist services to help boost enterprise and support communities, including providing access to expert advice and spaces to allow local businesses to collaborate. The branch is centered around an events and learning area for hosting sessions on topics such as financial capability, how to start a business and how to plan for the future. The space can also be used by local charities or community groups to run their own events with the bank’s support.
Replacing the bank’s old branch in the city, the centre:mk location has been designed to encourage collaboration and community, distinguishing itself from a traditional bank. The hub, which was created with the environment in mind, utilises solar panels and sustainable materials, and also includes an innovative ‘environmental dynamics’ room, a first nationally for the bank. The light and scent in the room can be changed to create different environments, from calming to focused, to suit the needs of the customer or event.
NatWest centre:mk also offers a range of everyday banking services alongside the enterprise hub, with consultation rooms where customers can meet face to face with banking specialists to discuss their financial needs.
Kevin Duffy, centre:mk’s centre director, said: “As one of the top 10 shopping centres in the UK, we are committed to providing a full and diverse offering to our guests and NatWest’s community hub is a brilliant addition to our centre line-up. The company’s commitment to environmental and social needs are closely aligned with that of centre:mk and we are proud to be supporting a dynamic space for businesses to grow further within the centre.”
