A BASINGSTOKE bank branch has unveiled a new look following a major revamp.

HSBC area commercial director Andy Brattesani joined lead branch manager Andy Wood in greeting more than 80 customers and guests at the newly-refurbished branch, in London Street.

The branch now boasts brighter décor, additional facilities and a redesigned customer area, where express banking machines have been installed.

Upstairs in the Business and Premier suites, guests were entertained by a magician, had a chance to improve their golf swing with a golf pro, and partake in some wine tasting.

Delighted with the branch transformation, Mr Brattesani said: “It’s a miracle – it seems to have gone from the 19th century to the 21st century in one leap and completely missed out the 20th century.

“It’s quite spectacular compared to how it was, and the reason we have done this is for our customers.”

Putting the bank’s smart new meeting rooms at the disposal of business customers, Mr Brattesani told the guests: “If you want to use them, just get hold of your manager and he will book them for you – I really hate it when I see meeting rooms that are empty.

“It’s really hospitable upstairs and the coffee is great – so please us our facilities.”

Mr Brattesani introduced the evening’s guest speaker, former HSBC area commercial manager Mike Loftus, who is now chairman of Destination Basingstoke.

Recalling his time at the Top of The Town branch, Mr Loftus said: “I spent a considerable part of my career here.”

Clearly impressed with the bank’s new look, he said: “HSBC has shown a fantastic commitment to its customers. The branch is seriously impressive – this is as good as it gets.

“We should welcome this commitment from the bank – we are in uncertain times, but this bank, I know, is open for business personally and on a business side. We need good banks, and this is a good bank.”

Mr Wood, who is also responsible the HSBC branches in Festival Place , Tadley and Overton, said the refurbishment work took 13 weeks.

He added: “HSBC is very committed to delivering good customer satisfaction and this is part of that – I think the work has made the building more customer centric. It cost a significant amount of money, showing that we have been reinvesting profits back in to the business. “I think it looks fantastic – we’ve had lots of positive comments from customers, especially about the Premier and Business suites.”