YORKSHIRE Building Society unveiled its new-look city centre branch which has been redesigned as part of a multi-million investment programme

The branch in Howard House on Broadway was officially re-opened by Bradford West MP Naz Shah after work which has inproved facilities for staff and customers alike.

The new look branch provides increased privacy for customers with more meeting rooms - each named after a local figure or feature and suggested by customers.

Room names include Priestley, Alhambra, Centenary Square, Lister, Bronte and Salts Mill.

The Bradford-based mutual has also provided an improved children's area with child-friendly furniture and activities , redeveloped the entrance area to make it more welcoming and installed a new staff kitchen.

The upgrade of Howard House, which features the new YBS branding, follows an £11 million refurbishment of the Society's Rooley Lane head office site which included IT improvements, to boost efficiency and customer service with easier and simpler systems.

Andy Caton, YBS executive director, who is president of Bradford Chamber of Commerce, said: “The changes at our Howard House branch are the result of a multi-million pound investment to improve our products, services and branches for our colleagues and customers.

“Our customers told us that because time is increasingly precious they want a simple, convenient service in a modern, but private, environment. We’ve responded to that by opening up sections of the banking hall, improving the look and feel of the branch and adding larger, more private meeting rooms equipped with new technology.

“The changes have been very well received by existing customers and we’re confident that we’ll be able to help even more people save for their futures and buy their first homes by attracting new customers.”

Naz Shah added: “Yorkshire Building Society’s Howard House branch has had significant investment, providing a better experience for their many members in the city as well as for potential new customers. The city centre is on the up after the opening of the nearby Broadway shopping centre.”

The opening event featured a magician, and a human statue at a party for Society members and staff.

Alison Alexis, branch manager, said: We couldn’t have been more excited to unveil our new-look branch in the heart of the city centre and to show it to customers new and old.

“We’re really proud of the end result and truly believe it will improve the in-branch experience for our customers, as we continue to help people in the city buy their own homes and save for their futures.”