The new city centre branch of the Principality Building Society has opened for business.

The new branch, in John Frost Square, introduces customers to a fresh look and feel, which has been designed to better meet the needs of current and new members.

The new branch is situated in the centre of the thriving shopping area in Newport and has features including a self-serve refreshment area, free Wi-Fi and a space where children can learn basic financial skills via interactive games. Staff will greet members and customers with iPads, while there are also private meeting rooms.

A programme to refurbish ten more branches across Wales with elements of the new design has already begun, reflecting Principality’s commitment to the communities they serve.

Steve Hughes, CEO of Principality Building Society, said: “It’s great to be at the heart of the Newport community in this new development, and we’ve focused on creating a ‘home from home’ style branch.

"We listened to feedback form our members before we went ahead with the design. We are tailoring the way that our branches are set up for business to reflect the needs of the town in which they operate in while continuing to offer the same outstanding customer experience.

“How people interact with financial services is changing all the time. We accept consumers are leaning towards digital trends and we are at the start of a three year plan to adapt to that but the role we play in our communities makes us stand out from the competition.

"Financial education is a massive area where we want to help children and young people within our communities, so I’m delighted we are able to offer this in our Newport branch in an innovative and fun way.

“We are in the process of investing heavily in bringing our business in line with the changing demands of our Members and customers to strengthen the service we offer. From how our branches are designed, to the range of products available to Members, the personal service and expertise from our branch advisors will be balanced with modern technology. Our colleagues are very excited by their new surroundings and I hope our Members enjoy this fantastic new space too.”

Dan Mead, asset management director at Queensberry, which owns the Kingsway Shopping Centre in partnership with Bywater Properties, said: "We’re delighted to welcome the Principality to its new home. It’s great to have such an established brand in our centre and I’m sure both new and existing customers will love its new location overlooking the new John Frost Square.

"The Principality opening completes the work that Queensberry has done in refurbishing this area of The Kingsway Centre.”

Huw Thomas, director at Cooke & Arkwright, said: “The way people interact with their banks and building societies has changed and, in sourcing a suitable location for the new branch in Newport, we were mindful of Principality’s aims to offer modern banking services that are fit for the future.

“With that in mind, we sourced a prime location in the city centre in the Kingsway Shopping Centre.

“Principality is a proud Welsh brand and its continued presence in town and city centres across the country is helping position it prominently within its heartlands.”