Kbc bank to open new hub in navan

KBC Bank will open a hub in Navan Town Centre later this year in the unit formerly occupied by Sage & Stone.

The Belgian-owned bank has been attempting in the aftermath of the financial crisis to attract personal customers as the business seeks to grow its base in Ireland.

KBC lodged a planning application to Meath County Council on 9th January, seeking permission to change the use of Unit 1 in Navan Town Centre on Kennedy Road from a retail unit to a banking unit.

The bank is also actively recruiting a number of personal banking specialists for its new hub. The bank currently employs 850 people in Ireland.

According to a statement issued by KBC, it will open an additional five new hubs in 2015, including a Navan hub. 'As part of KBC's ongoing expansion programme in Ireland, there are proposed plans in place - subject to financial planning - to open a new KBC Hub in Navan over the coming months,' the bank said. 'This will support the opening of new hubs in Dundrum, Stillorgan, Swords, Maynooth and Grand Canal in 2014, joining existing locations in Cork, Limerick, Galway and Baggot Street in Dublin.'

The new hub will offer current and savings accounts, insurance products, credit cards, personal loans and mortgages, and will be supported by KBC's smartphone app and online banking platform.

The addition of KBC to Navan would bolster the town's banking industry, and supplement the services already provided by AIB, Bank of Ireland, Permanent TSB and Ulster Bank.

According to Pat Mullaney, general manager at Navan Town Centre, the lower Kennedy Road area is developing into something of a financial hub. 'The decision by KBC to open a Navan hub is a big boost and we're delighted to welcome them,' he said.

'It's in a great location opposite the Credit Union and beside Navan Post Office and Ulster Bank.'

A decision is due on the bank's planning application on 5th March next. Interested parties can also make submissions as part of the planning process up to 12th February.