Boost as site identified for Ballynahinch banking hub

Boost as site identified for Ballynahinch banking hub

12 February 2025

THE provision of a new banking hub in Ballynahinch has taken a significant step forward.

Suitable premises have been identified at Windmill Lane in the town and a -in session to provide further details is being held on Thursday, February 27, at Harry’s Place at the town square between 1pm and 4pm.

Several weeks ago LINK – the UK’s Cash Access and ATM network – has confirmed the market town will be the latest to benefit from a new banking hub, with others having opened recently in Newcastle and Comber.

Moves to open the new hub follows a community request from local politicians.

When opened, it is expected the hub will consist of a counter service operated by Post Office employees, where customers of any bank can withdraw and deposit cash, make bill payments and carry out regular banking transactions.

In addition, there will be private spaces where customers can speak to community bankers from their own bank for more complicated matters that require specialist knowledge or privacy. 

The banks work on a rotating basis, so there will be staff from different banks available on different days. 

Ballynahinch’s recommendation for a new hub follows a community request to LINK, who determined that the town requires additional cash services to support local businesses and banking customers.

The hub will be delivered by Cash Access UK with hopes that it will not be too long before it’s opened to meet the banking needs of a wide range of customers.

To date, LINK has recommended 176 banking hubs across the UK including Ballynahinch, with the one in the market town the sixth to be recommended in Northern Ireland.

Rowallane councillor, Terry Andrews, is encouraging people to attend the forthcoming drop-in session.

He said the hub will play a critically important role given there are no longer any banks in the market town.

Cllr Andrews said access to cash is a key issue for residents and business owners and will go a long way to meeting their banking needs.

“There are limited cash dispensing machines in Ballynahinch the opening of a new hub is to be welcomed. I hope people will make the most of the opportunity they are being given at the end of the month to find out more about it,” he said.

“It’s important people have access to face-to-face services. Elderly people in particular are reluctant to bank online and the new hub will help them with their respective banking requirements.”