Suffolk Building Society has underlined its commitment to face-to-face service by moving into new and larger premises in Sudbury.

Chief executive Richard Norrington said unlike some other institutions the society - which has nine branches and one agency spread across the county - was keen to maintain a physical presence.

It will moved from its current home at 10 Market hill to the larger premises at 98 North Street - a former Mountain Warehouse shop - on Wednesday, February 21.

The branch - which will be officially opened by Mayor of Sudbury Councillor Jan Osborne at 10am - is a two minute walk from its current location.

Ipswich Star:

The new space includes a banking counter for day-to-day transactions, as well as a casual seating area for more informal discussions. There are also two meeting rooms with digital screens for more confidential conversations.

Mr Norrington said: “Our Sudbury branch is a busy one, with people coming to visit from both the town and its surrounding areas, so the move is simply about providing the space needed to serve members effectively.

“In a world that’s becoming increasingly digital, we believe face-to-face interactions are still very important.

Ipswich Star:

"We want our members to be able to discuss their savings or goals with our staff in person, not just over the phone or via a chat or messaging service.

"Of course, we’re becoming more digital, and our new online savings platform is a testament to that.

"However, our aim is simply to provide our members with more choice about the way they connect with us, and that will never come at the expense of our proven and well-loved branch network.

“Unlike many other financial institutions, we intend to maintain a physical branch presence across Suffolk. We hope the good people of Sudbury will be as pleased with their new branch as we are. Members will be invited to leave feedback about the new premises once it is fully open.”

The new branch design includes the "Sudbury tile" - part of Suffolk Building Society’s range of design assets which references the Sudbury water meadows.

The existing branch will be closed from Thursday, February 15.

Any members who need access to a Suffolk Building Society branch between Thursday 15 and Wednesday 21 February can travel to 94 High St, Hadleigh, Ipswich IP7 5EL.

Alternatively, they can contact the Society by phone about how to use the Post Office to withdraw cash from their society savings account.