NatWest, the major retail and commercial bank, has launched its latest community banking hub within centre:mk Milton Keynes, providing a base and support for local enterprise activity.

Located on Midsummer Arcade, the 10,800 sq ft new NatWest community hub is the fourth of its kind in the UK for the bank 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 focussed, 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.”

Natalie Litchfield, NatWest Milton Keynes Branch Manager, added: “centre:mk’s position within the South East catchment area and strong footfall figures, as well as the destination’s synergy with our social values, make for an ideal branch location and we are delighted to have launched our latest community hub here. We hope that the new, sustainably designed hub forms a central part of the local community, delivering a collaborative space and expert advice to the people and businesses of Milton Keynes.”

The opening follows the news that British menswear brand, Charles Tyrwhitt, officially unveiled the first of its new store design at centre:mk, paving the way for a widescale roll out for the brand’s UK portfolio.

MMX Retail and CBRE acted for centre:mk.

On the money: Natwest launches latest community hub at centre:mk

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