Britain's first new high street bank in 100 years is moving into a prime spot in Reading town centre.

Metro Bank has confirmed it plans to open its 13th UK store on the corner of the Broad Street Mall at the end of summer.

Up to 30 jobs will be created at the two-storey unit, which was once home to the Virgin Megastore.

Metro Bank, with its distinctive blue and red branding, claims to be starting a revolution in banking and is dedicated to scrapping “stupid bank rules”.

Chief executive Craig Donaldson said: “We’re really excited to open our Reading Metro Bank store and bring the banking revolution to town.

“Reading will be our 13th store and the Broad Street Mall is a fantastic location for personal and business customers.

“Like all our stores, Reading will be open seven days a week, 361 days a year and twice the hours of traditional high street banks. We can’t wait to welcome everyone into the store and show how different we really are.”

Metro Bank started with four stores in London in 2010 and aims to have more than 200 branches by 2020.

The company says it aims to reinvent the rules of retail banking and offer a fun, relaxed atmosphere with both children and pet dogs made to feel welcome.

Branches also offer a traditional face-to-face service with no appointment necessary.

Broad Street Mall manager Steve Fawke said he was pleased to welcome a new tenant to the large unit, which was previously let to Life & Style and Ethel Austin before that.

He said: “From what I can gather, their shop fit is going to be stunning and they are going to completely transform that whole corner with a double height glass front.

“They are investing a considerable sum of money in their fit-out which shows their commitment to the town.

“It also shows the landlord’s willingness to diversify to bring the right retail into the unit and to bring yet another new name to the town.”

Job opportunities in Reading will be advertised at www.metrobankonline.co.uk/careers/job-vacancies

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