Santander announces Melton branch to close

Santander has today announced plans to close 44 branches as it continues to transform its branch network in response to changing customer behaviour.

Closing branches will be replaced by Community Bankers, operating either from a Santander Local or, where required, a Banking Hub, to provide ongoing face-to-face support for communities. 

It's been confirmed that Melton's Nottingham Street branch will close on 29th April 2026 in another blow to the town centre.

Following the changes, the refreshed Santander branch network will consist of 305 branches including 244 full-service branches, 19 counter-free branches, 36 reduced-hour branches, and six Work Cafés, alongside 111 Santander Locals. 

Melton’s branch of Santander will close in April. Photo: NEMM

Santander Locals provide face-to-face support for customers in areas where a branch has been closed, and a Banking Hub is not required. Located in local community spaces, such as a library or community centre, they are staffed by Community Bankers who provide money management and general banking support to customers on a weekly basis. Along with Santander Locals, Community Bankers also attend local Banking Hubs.  

Santander has seen a rapid increase in customers choosing to do their banking digitally, with 96% of all transactions now being completed in digital channels1. Since 2019, there has been a 64% rise in digital transactions, while financial transactions completed in branches reduced by 66% in the same period.

Over the last year alone, there has been a 13% decrease in the volume of financial transactions taking place in branch.2

A spokesperson for Santander UK, said: “In response to a continuing and sizeable shift towards customers using digital banking, we are making changes to our branches to better support our customers. We will continue to invest in both our branch network - comprising of full-service branches, counter-free branches, reduced-hour branches, Santander Locals, and our increasingly popular Work Cafés – as well as our digital banking services, so we can be there to support our customers however they choose to bank with us.” 

Approximately 291 staff would be placed at risk of redundancy if the proposals proceed after consultation with the unions has been completed, however there will be a number of redeployment opportunities that impacted colleagues can apply for.

Support will be provided to those colleagues, including assistance in finding redeployment roles within the bank, access to specialist outplacement support, and dedicated well-being support. A 24-hour Employee Assistance Helpline is also available for colleagues.