Newcastle Building Society – Monument

As the financial services landscape continues to evolve, customer expectations are shifting dramatically. With over 6,300 bank branches closing across the UK in the last decade, many high streets have lost their connection to accessible financial services. Yet face-to-face advice remains vital to many, especially in regions where digital inclusion is limited. Newcastle Building Society recognised the opportunity to reimagine its flagship presence in the heart of Newcastle city centre. The challenge: transform a 200-year-old Grade II-listed building into a modern banking environment and inclusive community hub that could meet the needs of today’s customers while securing the future of accessible financial services.

M Worldwide led the transformational design of Newcastle Building Society’s new Monument branch – a striking and purpose-led space situated on the corner of Grainger Street. Our brief was to develop a human-centred experience that responded to how people use financial services today: less transactional, more conversational and supportive. The full-service branch is designed for meaningful face-to-face interactions, with welcoming open-plan areas and private meeting rooms for personalised advice.

Inside, the bold new look celebrates the building’s heritage while introducing vibrant digital screens, contemporary furnishings, and an accessible entrance. Beyond financial services, the design brings all five floors back to life with flexible spaces for events, community meetings and charitable partnerships – reflecting the Society’s commitment to place-based impact.

By reimagining Monument as a vibrant, multi-use hub, M Worldwide helped Newcastle Building Society bridge its proud past with a dynamic future. This project not only reinforces the value of the high street, but demonstrates how design can empower organisations to serve communities more meaningfully.

“A historic building reimagined as a vibrant community hub… Monument reflects our ambition as a place-based, purpose-led organisation.”

– Andrew Haigh, CEO, Newcastle Building Society