THE Bradford branch of a banking chain has re-opened after an upgrade as part of a national £45 million makeover programme.

Yorkshire Bank in The Broadway has opened its doors to customers after undergoing a makeover.

The improvements to the branch, which is based at 14 Broadway, forms part of a nationwide £45m investment programme by the bank to upgrade its facilities to meet the changing needs of its customers.

The programme includes a UK-wide programme of branch relocations and refits plus improved and new mobile and internet banking services.

The branch has undergone a complete redesign and now features an open plan banking hall, two counter positions, three open consultation positions and four private interview rooms for its customers.

The new-look branch was officially unveiled by staff including Yorkshire Bank’s head of customer banking Andy Davidson in a ribbon cutting ceremony on Monday.

Julie McEvoy, Yorkshire Bank’s The Broadway branch manager, said the new-look bank will cater better for its customers.

She said: “We are delighted with our newly formatted branch which underlines our commitment to Bradford.

“While customers expect us to deliver flawless service, we also want them to have an enjoyable place to do their banking.”

Steve Fletcher, Yorkshire Bank’s head of customer banking networks, added despite online banking continuing to be an important part of its business, branches, similar to the Bradford site which is on the doorstep of The Broadway shopping centre, still play a key role.

Mr Fletcher said: “While customers’ needs are changing and we are delivering new services to meet these, branches continue to be a really important part of how we ensure customers have a great banking experience with us.”

He added: “This is a fantastic new format branch at Broadway in Bradford and we’re looking forward to continuing to serve the local community from our modern new home.”

The Bradford Broadway branch will be open from 9.15am to 4.30pm Monday to Friday and 9.15am to 4pm on Saturday.

Yorkshire Bank has two other branches in Bradford, in Manchester Road and Westgate.

It has its headquarters in Leeds and is a trading division of Clydesdale Bank.

Its branch in Crossgates, Leeds, re-opened last month after a similar re-design to the bank’s Broadway branch.