WARRNAMBOOL’S Liebig Street “Golden Mile” will have a slight facelift early next year when ANZ Bank changes address to a rejuvenated premises across the road.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The bank will move its retail division into a former sports goods store on the eastern side opposite its current location while its commercial banking department will go elsewhere in the central business district.
Contractors are refitting the building to be ready for staff to move in by April.
ANZ general retail manager for Victoria and Tasmania, Danielle Curry, told The Standard it was part of a national program to give branches a fresh image under the “Banking On Australia” theme.
“The design will be more user-friendly for customers and have more open-floor space,” she said.
“Our ATMs will have smart technology for transaction services 24/7,” Ms Curry said yesterday.
“Warrnambool is a large branch for us in the south-west and we see the CBD as an important location.
“Business in our commercial department has outgrown the space in our current location and this department will move to another central site after July with appropriate modern meeting rooms,” she said.
The business community is hoping the bank’s move will not leave another long-term vacant building on the main street’s western side.
There are already several other empty premises in the block between Koroit and Lava streets.
Traders and real estate agents have told The Standard high lease fees are one of the main reasons for empty shop spaces with landlords charging up to $5000 a month.
Business operators and real estate agents have been calling for lower rents to ease the burden in tight economic times for retailers.
