Republic Bank (Barbados) Limited has announced a strategic consolidation of its south coast operations, merging its Worthing and Wildey branches into a newly established facility at Coconut Walk in Rockley. The move, which utilizes the premises previously occupied by Scotiabank, is positioned by the bank as a strategic initiative to enhance operational efficiency while safeguarding customer service quality and preserving employment.
Carlene Seudat, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, confirmed the operational timeline: the Worthing branch will cease operations at the end of this month, followed by the closure of the Wildey location on April 30. The new flagship branch at Coconut Walk is slated to open its doors on May 4, 2024.
The consolidation will impact an estimated 15,000 customers previously served by the two closing branches. However, bank officials emphasize that full banking services will remain accessible across the institution’s entire network. Customers are being assured of a seamless transition with no changes to their account terms or conditions.
To modernize the customer experience, the new branch will feature a significantly upgraded technological infrastructure. The design includes a more open, digitally-focused layout equipped with four Automated Teller Machines (ATMs)—three attached to the building and one drive-through facility. This expansion in self-service options contrasts with the planned removal of ATMs from the closing Worthing and Wildey locations.
In addressing workforce concerns, Ms. Seudat provided explicit assurances that the operational merger would not result in staff redundancies. Through extensive engagement with both employees and union representatives that began last year, the bank has developed a redeployment strategy. All affected staff members from the closing branches will be absorbed into the new Rockley facility or transferred to the bank’s five other remaining branches across the island.
The bank is concurrently encouraging customers to adopt its digital banking platforms and expanded ATM network, reflecting evolving consumer preferences toward remote banking solutions. This consolidation represents Republic Bank’s broader strategic shift toward modernized banking environments that prioritize digital accessibility and operational efficiency.