Charlestown Square is the latest state-of-the art branch to be rolled out by National Australia Bank (NAB), with a focus on the balance between technology and personal contact.

Jackie Connors, NAB’s Regional Executive Retail, said there was a need for improved banking services in the area.

“Charlestown is a growth area with a strong professional workforce – two thirds of residents are aged between 15 and 65,” she said.

“We’re seeing more and more people trying to navigate the housing market thanks to seven per cent growth in house values over the past 12 months.

“This location offers greater convenience in terms of parking and access and the branch is very easy to navigate.”

Melissa Reynolds, Executive General Manager NAB Retail, said the services offered at the new Charlestown branch were part of a wider commitment to make banking simpler and more personal.

“We’re responding to changing customer needs and preferences and that is reflected in the fit-out of our new branches,” she said.

“Our customers are increasingly using digital channels, but when it comes to life’s big decision, like buying a home or saving for retirement, they still want to sit down and have a conversation with an expert.

“It’s this fusion between technology and personal contact that’s shaped our new-look branches.

“Customers want to do more at ATMs, so we’ve increased the number of Smart ATMs where they can make deposits with or without their card, print statements and withdraw cash.

“With more self-service options for every day transactions, and an increase to the size of our Charlestown team, we’re able to spend more time helping people manage their money.”

The new branch features some of the latest digital and self-service technology, including Smart ATMs, Business Deposit machines, Express Coin Deposit machines and internet banking kiosks.