Bank of Bermuda opened its newly renovated Church Street branch yesterday, although the branch?s banking floor has been temporarily relocated to the second floor of the facility.

The bank?s ground floor branch and the surrounding area are currently under renovation as the interior is modernised and it is expected to be completed later this year when a brand new branch will again be opened at street level.

?Our intention was to create a customer friendly atmosphere. Since amalgamation with HSBC, we have been updating our branches Island-wide and implementing a number of new design features,? Bank of Bermuda CEO Philip Butterfield said.

?It is an important development for the bank as we are privileged to be a part of the further revitalisation of North Hamilton and what you see here today is a reflection our bank?s commitment to the community. We have created something we feel is vibrant and reflective of the kind of changes you can expect from our organisation in the coming year.?

The Church Street renovations are part of a larger revitalisation project the bank has undertaken with its premises in that location, including the new Insight Learning Centre.

A flat screen television has been installed in the waiting area with a Q-Matic waiting system for customers queuing to see a personal banker.

Customers will have access to online banking with two computers situated in the self service section of the branch along with a telephone, which automatically connects customers to the bank?s telephone banking service.

The bank has also upgraded its drive-though operations at Church Street and introduced two new drive-through ATM?s.