The banking group said the programme follows the refurbishment of 52 branches in 2025 and forms part of its wider effort to update its physical network. According to Santander UK, more than 80% of its branches will have been refreshed by the end of 2026.
The announcement comes as banks continue to adjust their services between branch-based support and digital banking options. Santander said it would also continue opening new Work Café locations, including sites in Kingston, Birmingham and Belfast, alongside the Canary Wharf location opened in May 2026.
Santander Confirms Locations Included in the 2026 Refurbishment Programme
The 31 branches listed by Santander include locations that have already completed work as well as sites scheduled for later in the year. According to the bank, refurbishments usually take just over two weeks, during which customers are directed to alternative branches, Post Office services and digital banking channels.
The completed refurbishments include branches in Croydon, Truro, Weston-super-Mare, Liverpool, Lewisham, Eastbourne, Rhyl, St Helens and Newry. Further work is planned in locations including Dudley, Dartford, Beaumont Leys, Tooting, Lisburn and Altrincham during September.
Branches scheduled for October include Walthamstow, Rugby, Salisbury, Muswell Hill, Stockton and Bury. November work is planned for Ashford, Ealing, Llandudno and Halifax, while December locations include Leamington Spa, Ashton-under-Lyne, Widnes, Barkingside and Islington.
Santander said the dates from September onwards are estimated months and may change. The bank added that exact refurbishment details will vary between branches and will be displayed on posters at the relevant locations before work begins.
The updated branches will include changes such as refreshed seating areas, interaction spaces, meeting rooms for privacy, additional ATMs and designated safe spaces for people seeking support related to domestic or financial abuse.
Bank Maintains Branch Commitment While Expanding Work Café Locations
The refurbishment announcement follows a customer update from Santander UK about the future of its branch network. According to an email sent to some customers, the bank said it would not make further branch closures before 2028, while recognising that some closures or relocations could occur if circumstances outside its control required them.
The commitment covers both Santander and TSB branches, with TSB owned by Santander. The bank said it plans to maintain 305 Santander branches and 175 TSB branches across the UK for nearly another 18 months at least.
According to LancsLive, the announcement follows a previous decision to close 44 branches, which Santander said at the start of 2026 would affect its network and put 291 jobs at risk. The bank is also carrying out cost-cutting measures and increasing the use of artificial intelligence and automation, with a target of saving at least £400 million by the end of 2028 following its £2.65 billion acquisition of TSB.
Santander’s chief executive Mahesh Aditya said branches remain part of the company’s approach to customer services. “I see branches as an important part of our strategy,” he said, adding that the bank would continue investing in modernising its network and introducing new Work Cafés.
