HSBC has provided a crucial update on its New Street branch in Birmingham city centre, which has been closed since a devastating fire broke out in the early hours of Sunday, October 5. The blaze, which occurred at the bank’s location on the corner of New Street and Stephenson Place, forced the evacuation of approximately 200 people from the Premier Inn hotel above the branch.
The fire led to four individuals receiving treatment for smoke inhalation, with some evacuees recounting the harrowing experience. While the Premier Inn hotel has since reopened, the HSBC branch remains boarded up, fenced off, and closed indefinitely.
A notice posted outside the branch explains: “Our branch is temporarily closed. Due to a recent fire, this branch will remain closed for the foreseeable future. We’re sorry for any inconvenience this may cause. You can access your remote banking wherever you are.” The sign directs customers to HSBC’s mobile app, website, and contact numbers for alternative services.
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HSBC revealed that the fire caused significant interior damage to the New Street branch, with ongoing assessments determining the full extent. The bank anticipates it could take up to six months before the branch is ready to reopen.
To support customers during this period, HSBC opened a new, smaller branch at Grand Central—located on level two above New Street Station—offering the same weekday and Saturday hours as the original branch. This temporary branch provides a range of services including account opening, online banking assistance, payments, transfers, and general customer support.
Sally Williams, Head of Branch Network at HSBC UK, commented, “Following the fire, our priority was to ensure we continued to be there for our customers and minimise any disruption to them. We extended the opening hours of our Jewellery Quarter and Centenary Square branches and contacted over 8,000 customers to inform them about the situation and alternative arrangements.
“We quickly established this HSBC Local in Grand Central, securing the premises and setting up the branch to ensure continuity of service. While the New Street branch has sustained significant damage, we are currently assessing repair needs and timelines. In the meantime, we look forward to welcoming our regular and new customers to our temporary home in Grand Central Station.”