Bendigo Bank brings its 'branch of the future' concept to Torquay

Bendigo Bank has continued the modernisation and optimisation of its branch network by today opening its reimagined community-focused ‘branch of the future’ at shop 2, 4-6 Gilbert Street in Torquay.

Situated in the heart of Torquay, the innovative new space flips the traditional concept of a bank branch and allows customers and communities better access to information, experts, technology, services and products – both from the Bank and other local businesses – in ways they choose.

With a strong purpose of feeding into prosperity, the redevelopment of the Torquay branch ties to the Bank’s wider strategy to reshape its business for the future, so it can continue to better serve the needs of its customers, and the wider community whilst at the same time supporting local businesses, artists and creatives, in new ways.

One of the most unique features of the new branch is the introduction of a free retail pop-up space in which local businesses and creatives can showcase their work, in a high exposure retail setting, for a two-week period.

Other features of the new Torquay branch include:

• A new space that can be used for community events and meetings, acknowledging the growing demand among community groups for meeting spaces.
• Refreshed design to create a more personal and inviting feel.
• A central teller with a custom flexible design to adapt to customer changing needs.

The new Torquay branch joins its five sister branches at Carlton, Bendigo, Norwood in South Australia, and Leichhardt and Coffs Harbour in New South Wales as the newest addition to the Bank’s ‘branch of the future’ collection.

Richard Fennell, Executive, Consumer Banking, Bendigo Bank, said the newly refurbished Torquay branch will be much more than a bank branch and will help support the lifestyle goals of customers, the entrepreneurial objectives of local small businesses, and support the wider Torquay community.

“In today’s 24/7, fast paced, and increasingly digital environment, communities like Torquay have their own unique needs and preferences. This is why our branch of the future strategy is all about delivering localised experiences tailored specifically to the needs of each individual community, whilst also supporting local small businesses in new ways that others don’t,” said Mr Fennell.

“Offering full banking services, Bendigo Bank’s new Torquay branch features relaxed, modern collaborative spaces for customers, communities and business owners to access technologies and information to help grow their business, and assistance to help them achieve financial success as individuals and as part of a thriving community.

“Our customers want personalised solutions - accessible anytime and anywhere - and we are reshaping our business to continue to deliver what our customers demand, using new technologies to better suit our customers' evolving needs delivered efficiently and on demand.

“Over time, we are making changes to the locations, the size and the look and feel of our branches so we can continue to adapt to customers’ changing needs and banking preferences.

“Our branches across Australia remain a critical part of our retail distribution strategy and provide a significant base for customer and community connection. We will continue to invest in branches where our customer interactions indicate a need for physical presence,” Mr Fennell concluded.

Bendigo Bank shares profits with hundreds of communities across Australia. Since 1998, the Community Bank network has returned more than $251 million in profits back to local communities to fund important local projects and initiatives.

Bendigo Bank Torquay, located at Shop 2, 4-6 Gilbert Street is open for business from Monday to Friday 9.30am to 1:00pm, 2:00pm to 5.00pm.