Bendigo Bank has transformed its Norwood branch into a new format which it plans to roll out nationally

A dedicated creative space for local artists and an entertaining area for live events and seminars form part of a progressive new branch format unveiled by Bendigo Bank.

Bendigo and Adelaide Bank consumer banking executive Richard Fennell and local artist Jack Fran at the bank’s new Norwood branch. Photo - Naomi Jellicoe

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A dedicated creative space for local artists and an entertaining area for live events and seminars form part of a progressive new branch format unveiled by Bendigo Bank.

The bank has completed an overhaul of its branch at Norwood, opening the doors to the public this morning.

As well as a dedicated creative area, the branch offers local business owners access to free pop-up shopfront space, and gives community groups a central space for community meetings, art exhibitions and business presentations.

Local artist Jack Fran has created a mural in an adjacent alley, which is visible from inside the branch.

Bendigo Bank consumer banking executive Richard Fennell said the new format was being trialled at Norwood, with a view to a national roll-out in the coming months.

“While our competitors keep closing bank branches, we know that along with an intuitive digital presence, a physical banking presence remains important for communities to grow and thrive,” he said.

“The number of traditional transactions in branches has been dropping so we wanted to test out some new concepts.

“We’ve really tried to set up a branch to attract people into the space - not only to do banking, that element of the branch probably makes up 10 to 15 per cent of the footprint.

“We’re confident that this is going to resonate with the local community and for that reason we’ve put extra staff on.”

Mr Fennell said Norwood was chosen as the location for its Australian-first branch format due to its “unique and varied mix of small businesses, and its community minded residents”.

He said regular property events and seminars would commence at the branch in the new year, bringing together local experts and specialists to provide customers with information and guidance on their own property investments, developments and projects.

A “Business Connections” service would also be offered, he said, using video conferencing facilities to connect a network of business mentors across the country, who will share their experiences in running a successful business.

Sydney consultancy Public Design Group was engaged by Bendigo Bank for the design of the new branch.