HSBC's branch refurbishment programme enters final phase

HSBC Bank Malta plc has reopened its newly refurbished branch in Cospicua. HSBC is now in the final stages of its three-year programme to refurbish all its buildings up to HSBC Group standards. There are only eight of the 33 HSBC branches in Malta and Gozo which have yet to be refurbished.

The HSBC Cospicua branch was opened by the city's mayor Joseph Scerri, together with HSBC Malta chief executive officer Chris Hothersall. "The recent completion of our new Operations Centre and the reopening of our Cospicua branch represent important milestones in HSBC's programme to completely renovate its entire network," Mr Hothersall said.

"The bank has invested some Lm10 million in this programme with the work being carried out entirely by Maltese companies."

The reopening of the HSBC Cospicua branch was also attended by the mayors of other localities in the area and by HSBC southern area manager Anthony Vella Gregory. Cospicua parish priest Fr Joseph Mifsud blessed the new branch.

HSBC's Cospicua branch now includes the fire and safety standards required to meet HSBC Group standards. These include HSBC's worldwide policy for the provision of more than one means of escape from every building where possible, fire compartmentation, fire doors, fire detection systems, photoluminescent signage, emergency lighting and fire extinguishers.

"The branch in Fgura was the very first to be refurbished and now Cospicua can be added to the growing list of HSBC branches in the southern area which have been brought up to HSBC Group standards," Mr Vella Gregory said.

"The reaction we have had from customers has been very positive. They appreciate the improved environment and the increased levels of security which the branches now offer. HSBC employees are also delighted with their new working environment."

HSBC has also been investing heavily in state-of-the art security equipment and features. The main feature is that all cash transactions take place in a secure area. The counter has been withdrawn to the rear of the branch as far away from the door as possible. The new teller counters are bullet proof with bullet proof metal incorporated into the partitioning.

HSBC's branches also have high definition cameras taking still shots and video motion. These cameras take two shots per second and there are between 14 and 16 cameras per branch. Another feature that is part of the security system is the use of a digital image management system whereby all images of all the cameras are recorded simultaneously. This would provide comprehensive evidence for the police should a raid occur.