Cash Access UK confirms Larne Banking Hub to open before last bank closes in town

A similar Cash Access UK banking hub in Newcastle, County Down. (Image: LDRS)

A planning application has been submitted to Mid and East Antrim Borough Council for a new banking hub at 53 Main Street, Larne.

The application has been lodged by an agent on behalf of Cash Access UK for the former Card Factory premises, which are currently vacant. Card Factory now operates from Laharna Retail Park.

The proposal involves converting the empty retail unit into a banking hub, with plans including new signage, external redecoration, a new glazed shopfront, and the installation of an ATM at the town centre site.

Proposed front elevations of the new banking hub in Larne

LINK, the UK’s cash machine network — which reviews the impact of every proposed bank branch closure — said Larne will “benefit from the new banking hub as part of a wider commitment to protect access to cash”.

Larne is the seventh location in Northern Ireland recommended for a hub, following Ballynahinch, Comber, Kilkeel, Newcastle, Portrush, and Warrenpoint.

LINK is an independent, regulated company that assesses communities’ cash needs and decides where new services should be located.

The planned development follows Santander’s announcement that it will close its Main Street branch — the only remaining bank or building society with a permanent presence in Larne. The closure date has not yet been confirmed.

Banking hubs are delivered and owned by Cash Access UK. A spokesperson for the organisation told the Local Democracy Reporting Service:

“The team is working hard to secure a suitable property that meets our requirements, including size, condition, and location.

“We can confirm that the hub will be in place before the last bank in town closes, so residents and businesses will continue to have access to cash and essential banking services.”

According to Cash Access UK, “Banking hubs offer easy access to face-to-face cash and banking in the heart of communities across the UK.”

The hubs are operated by the Post Office, with participating banks typically being those with the highest number of customers in the local area. Services include:

• Paying in cash (notes and coins) and cheques

• Withdrawing cash (notes and coins)

• Checking balances

• Paying utility bills

• Topping up gas and electricity payments

• Accessing change-giving services for registered businesses

Hubs are open Monday to Friday, 9am–5pm. Each site has a counter for cash services and dedicated days when representatives from participating banks are available to meet customers. Banks operate on a rotational schedule.

Cash Access UK says:

“For many communities, a banking hub offers a convenient, sustainable, shared solution that brings cash services and bank representatives (community bankers) together in one place.

“Digital or online solutions don’t yet work for everyone all the time. Many people still need or prefer to bank face-to-face and need easy access to cash services too.

Cash is still important to millions of people in the UK.

“Between five and six million adults say they rely on cash in their day-to-day lives. We’ve found that banking hubs can make a real difference to individuals, small businesses, and the communities they live in.”