Leeds Building Society keeps Bournemouth branch open to 2031

Leeds Building Society has promised to keep its Bournemouth branch open until at least September 2031. The branch, at 97 Old Christchurch Road in the town centre, is one of 51 across the UK covered by the same five-year pledge.

The commitment was reported by the Bournemouth Echo on Thursday 24 September 2026. The address and hours are confirmed on the society's Bournemouth branch page.

What exactly has the society promised?

The society says the Bournemouth branch will stay open until at least September 2031, and that it will keep its current weekday opening hours. Members can walk in for face-to-face help without booking an appointment. The branch page lists weekday opening from 9.30am to 4.45pm, plus a few Saturday mornings a year.

Graham Binns, head of the society's branch network, said many people in Bournemouth still value a local branch, whether to open a savings account, get help protecting themselves from fraud or simply talk to someone in person. He described the branch pledge as one of a wider set of promises aimed at rewarding loyal members.

What else is in the pledge?

Coverage elsewhere in the country, such as the Gazette & Herald's report on the York branch, describes the wider package. According to the society, it includes keeping in-person and phone access for all members, not offering savings accounts limited to new customers only, and running free fraud clinics in the community. The savings promises are due to be reviewed in 12 months; the branch commitment runs to 2031.

Why does it matter for the high street?

Banks and building societies have been closing branches as more customers move online, which leaves town centres with fewer places to get help in person. A five-year promise gives members, and Old Christchurch Road, some certainty about one of the remaining counters.

It is a small piece of good news for a town centre that has had its share of change, not least the long wait over the Winter Gardens site. Bournemouth also holds its Purple Flag for a safe evening economy, as we reported in its 16th year.

What it means for newcomers and long-stay guests

For anyone who has just moved to Bournemouth, sorting out money is part of the first month, and a walk-in branch helps with the jobs that are awkward to do online. Our guides to relocating to Bournemouth for work and to your first month in Bournemouth after moving for work cover the rest of the checklist.

The Bournemouth Guide's first 48 hours guide and its long stays guide are practical companions. Old Christchurch Road is a walk of about 15 to 20 minutes from the West Cliff, where most Flexiestays buildings are. Flexiestays offers monthly stays in Bournemouth from 28 nights, and the Help Centre sets out how long-stay payments, deposits and invoices work.