Bendigo Bank's 'branch of the future' lands in Leichhardt

In a New South Wales first, Bendigo Bank today unveiled its new 'branch of the future' in the heart of Sydney’s Inner West.

Situated in the middle of Leichhardt’s bustling shopping, dining and entertainment precinct - next to the Plaza at 51 Norton Street - the newly refurbished space flips the traditional concept of a bank branch in response to changing customer and community preferences.

Following significant transformation work over the last number of months, the new branch will provide access to information, experts, technology, services and products – both from the Bank and other local businesses - in ways they value.

The new Leichhardt branch will also feature a free retail pop-up space - accessible to local businesses on a two-week rotational basis - as well as indoor and outdoor community areas which will rival anything available locally or nationally.

With a brand legacy steeped in community and a purpose to feed into prosperity, the re-modelled Leichhardt branch - the second 'branch of the future' to launch nationwide - is specifically designed to meet this purpose.

With similar branches planned in other states, the investment is part of Bendigo Bank’s strategy to reshape its business for the future.

"The new Norton Street retail space is so much more than a bank branch. It will help enable the lifestyle goals of customers, the entrepreneurial goals of local businesses and support the aspirations of the surrounding creative communities in Sydney's Inner West," said Richard Fennell, Executive, Consumer Banking, Bendigo Bank.

"Leichhardt is the first east coast location for Bendigo Bank's unique branch of the future rollout and was chosen for its strong mix of community-minded residents and small businesses who will benefit from a prime retail space that can celebrate their creativity, showcase their goods and services and host meetings.

"Bendigo Bank's new Leichhardt Branch is still considered a branch - but just not as you know it. It brings together the very best of leading global retail spaces," Mr Fennell said.

Offering full banking services as part of Australia's fifth largest retail bank, the new Leichhardt branch also features a striking indoor and outdoor mural designed and painted by world-renowned Sydney artist, Shannon Crees.

The first concept branch - launched in Norwood, South Australia in November 2018 - has experienced a 64 percent increase in foot traffic and in the six-month period between January and June 2019 and a significant increase in business.

South Australian artist, Nicole Black, one of Norwood's first small business retail pop up vendors said her residency in the space provided her local business with enormous benefits.

"My time at the Bendigo Bank Norwood pop up was a huge learning experience for my business and brand. It was a way for me to obtain direct feedback from customers and trial some directions for my business moving forward," Ms Blacks said.

Nick Carter, Bendigo Bank's Head of Local Banking said, "Our new space in Sydney's vibrant Inner West is the second branch of its type in the Bendigo retail network and marks the continued evolution of our Bank’s retail strategy."

"Retail businesses are navigating this new world and need to move at lightning speed to keep up with customer expectations. We recognise that as a business, we play a huge role in strengthening the communities in which we operate, but we also understand that it’s companies that respond quickly to customer needs - especially convenience, experience, intelligence and personalisation - who will have long-term success.

"Bendigo Bank shares profits with hundreds of communities across Australia, to date returning more than $205 million to fund important local projects and initiatives. Along with an intuitive and 'always on' digital presence, a physical banking presence remains important for communities to grow and thrive.

"We will continue to invest in and strengthen communities so they can help realise the full potential of people locally - and support their aspirations. Bendigo's second 'branch of the future' here in Leichhardt, and our Norwood flagship branch will also help inform us as we prepare to design and tailor future branches to meet the needs of the communities in which we operate", Mr Carter concluded.

Below: Accomplished international artist, Shannon Crees at the completion of her latest large scale mural work in our new Leichhardt branch.

Photographer: Andrew Taylor

Key Leichhardt Branch Features

Free Retail Pop-Up Space

• Local businesses and creatives can utilise this space free for a two-week period
• Pop-up space located in a prime position in-branch
• The first pop-up vendor is local ceramicist/maker, Hayden Youlley who will be in the space during launch week

Community Space

• Available from October 2019 for meetings, workshops and small events.
• The indoor community space is available between 6pm - 9pm on weeknights and is equipped with a projector, Wi-Fi, tables and chairs
• Our outdoor space (community garden) will be available to rent later in the year.

Gallery Wall

• A small gallery wall is located within the branch where the Branch can display three artworks from local artists at any given time.

Mural Artwork

• Sydney artist Shannon Crees has painted the indoor/outdoor mural artwork.
• An accomplished international artist, Shannon creates works on canvas and paints large scale murals both locally and internationally. Shannon was the only Australian artist included in the high-profile line up of 'the best graffiti artists in the world' at 'Banksy Cans Festival 2' in London.

Street Furniture/Planter Boxes

• Planter boxes outside the branch will be painted and decorated by local community groups and charities to raise awareness and provide colour to the front of the branch.

Opening Hours

• 9:30am - 5pm Monday to Friday

The Bank has engaged Public Design Group for strategic retail design consultancy services.