THE doors of the former Dickinsons building opened to the public for the first time in nearly two years this week.

Newcastle Building Society opened its new premises on Beaumont Street on Monday, after making the move from the property next door.

The move was part of the building society’s ongoing multi-million-pound branch network investment programme.

It now takes up part of the ground floor of the former Dickinsons building, which closed in December, 2017.

While it is unclear what the remainder of the ground floor will be used for, the upper floors of the building could become nine apartments.

A planning application has been submitted to Northumberland County Council for the apartments and await the council’s decision.

Newcastle Building Society now aims to be able to provide easier access to its services, information and advice.

It has two meeting rooms and the extra space has allowed the creation of a community space – a room which local people, groups and charities can use to hold meetings free of charge.

Customers have been invited to attend the grand opening of the branch on November 14, where they are invited to look around and the company’s chief executive will cut the ribbon.