Ecology announces opening of first-ever branch in Porth

Ecology Building Society has announced it will open its first-ever physical branch in Porth, in April 2026 – a move aimed at restoring vital banking services and community support to a town left without a bank for more than eight years.

The new branch, located on Hannah Street, marks a significant milestone for the Society and a bold statement of intent as High Street bank closures continue across the UK. In Wales alone, more than 62% of High Street bank branches have closed over the past decade, with Porth’s final bank shutting its doors in 2018.

Gareth Griffiths, CEO at Ecology, said:

“For too long, communities like Porth have been abandoned by the big High Street banks, leaving them stranded in a ‘banking desert’ without access to essential services and support. These faceless corporates have put profit-driven decisions over people’s needs, leaving a gap that Ecology is determined to fill. This ambition starts with our very first branch in Porth.”

Bringing Banking Back to the Community

Ecology identified Porth as one of several areas across the UK facing long-standing inequalities in access and opportunity. The new branch will offer face-to-face service and support from an in-branch team, alongside access to a range of savings and mortgage products.

Private meeting spaces will enable customers to speak directly with a member of Ecology’s customer service team, which already supports more than 15,000 customers nationwide and holds a 4.9/5.00 customer rating on Smart Money People.

The branch will also feature innovative kiosks providing free cash deposit and withdrawal services for residents and business customers – even those without an Ecology account. For small businesses, this is expected to significantly reduce travel time and associated costs.

A Community Hub for Porth

In addition to banking services, the branch will include a dedicated community space available for local groups to host activities, talks and events designed to strengthen connections and support wellbeing.

Griffiths added:

“Since Covid and the cost-of-living crisis, people have an increased need for security and face-to-face support. But the big banks have failed to respond to this. Ripping out banking facilities from the High Street is more than just the denial of access to cash and customer service. It’s the loss of trusted spaces, stability and connection. Our community hub space will be a place that people and local groups can come together, plan activities and help one another. Porth has an amazing sense of pride, and we want the branch to build on that.”

Investment in the Town’s Future

Ecology has purchased the former hardware store premises on Hannah Street, which has stood empty since June 2025, signalling a long-term commitment to the town. Through a partnership with Rhondda Cynon Taf Council, the Society secured UK Government Shared Prosperity Funding to renovate the property.

The branch is expected to create at least three new local jobs.

Cllr Mark Norris, Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Housing, said:

“We are delighted to welcome Ecology Building Society to Porth, bring much-needed community facilities to the town. As well as the immediate and obvious benefits of new banking services and local employment opportunities, this partnership has also meant an empty property, which was at risk of becoming an eyesore and a cause for community concern, has been regenerated.”

A Different Approach to Branch Banking

Founded 45 years ago, Ecology describes itself as the UK’s youngest building society and says it is determined to demonstrate what a modern, efficient and community-focused branch network can look like.

Griffiths said:

“At a time when people are crying out for access to banking services and turning to rogue finfluencers for financial advice, we believe it’s more important than ever to bring branches back to the High Street. We’re the UK’s youngest building society but, with 45 years’ experience in doing things differently, we’re determined to show the big banks what an efficient and effective branch network can look like – and how it can help local people, business and communities to prosper.”

Welcoming the announcement, Rachel Springall, Finance Expert at Moneyfacts, said:

“It is wonderful to see Ecology Building Society launch its first-ever branch to support those who are under-served in their area. There has been a stark decline in bank branches over the years, attributed to falls in footfall and changing consumer behaviour. However, there are still people out there who need access to branches to deposit or withdraw cash or need in-person support. Mutuals are champions at giving back to the community, so it’s brilliant to see the inclusion of a space available to local groups and that even non-members can use the banking facilities.”

Residents can follow updates via the Ecology Porth Facebook page, where details of community events and the formal opening date will be announced ahead of the April 2026 launch.