New banking hub coming to Longton town centre

A new banking hub is set to open in Longton Exchange, Stoke-on-Trent, promising to restore face-to-face banking services to the local community.

Work on the hub is scheduled to begin on Monday, 5th October 2026, at the site of the former Shoe Zone in Longton Exchange.

The hub's opening comes after Dr Allison Gardner, the MP for Stoke-on-Trent South, led a successful campaign, supported by hundreds of signatures from local residents, to maintain access to banking services in the area.

Dr Gardner, who has worked closely with Chris Ward and the Longton Exchange team, stated: "Hundreds of local people signed my petition because they wanted to see banking services kept in Longton. I took that message forward, and now we are seeing work on the new hub begin."

The new banking hub aims to provide essential services, including cash withdrawals, deposits, cheque deposits, balance enquiries, and bill payments. Various major banks will operate there on designated days, in partnership with the Post Office.

The hub forms part of a broader initiative to regenerate Longton, enhancing its attractiveness for shoppers and supporting local businesses and markets.

Longton Exchange Centre Manager, Chris Ward, expressed his excitement about the hub's development: "Longton Exchange is more than a place to shop — we want to play our part in supporting the community. The Banking Hub will bring an important everyday service right into the heart of Longton."

The banking hub is anticipated to open by December 2026, following the completion of the premises fit-out.

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