The permanent Tonbridge Banking Hub has officially opened at Unit 5, The Pavilion, High Street, securing essential face-to-face financial services for the local community.
The new permanent Tonbridge Banking Hub has opened at Unit 5, The Pavilion, High Street. Operated by Cash Access UK, the hub has moved from its temporary space at Tonbridge Castle into its custom-fitted home at the site of the former Wimpy restaurant.
A Community-Led Victory
The launch marks the culmination of a multi-year local campaign that began in early 2023 following consecutive closures of the town’s major high street banks. Local resident and grassroots campaigner Sally Jane Pearce is widely acknowledged as the driving force behind the achievement. Pearce founded the Tonbridge Needs Access to Cash community group, relentlessly lobbied regulatory bodies like LINK, the FCA, and the Treasury, and successfully put together the business case to reverse the initial banking hub refusals.
Local representatives and residents gathered this morning to watch Pearce cut the ceremonial ribbon, noting that her tireless work has preserved a lifeline for both vulnerable residents and independent businesses needing to manage cash.
Available Services
The permanent site brings comprehensive counter and advisory services back to the heart of the High Street.
- Everyday Banking: A dedicated counter service operated by the Post Office allows customers of all major banks to withdraw cash, deposit notes and cheques, and check balances.
- Business Support: Local traders can deposit daily takings and exchange banknotes for coins.
- Bill Payments: Customers can process standard utility payments and top-ups directly at the counter.
Community Banker Rota
Alongside basic counter services, the hub hosts a rotating schedule of Community Bankers. Representatives from specific major institutions are available on set weekdays to assist with complex financial queries:
| Day | Visiting Bank |
|---|---|
| Monday | HSBC |
| Tuesday | NatWest |
| Wednesday | Barclays |
| Thursday | Santander / Alternative |
| Friday | Lloyds Bank |
The permanent Tonbridge Banking Hub is open Monday to Friday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.
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