Joe Powell MP for Kensington and Bayswater “cut the ribbon” (15/5) at the official opening of new-look Kensington Church Street Post Office after a major refit. Post Office CEO Neil Brocklehurst attended the event.
Experienced postmaster, Shehzad Mania, has become the permanent postmaster for the branch. He undertook a two-month project to fully refurbish the premises at 190 Kensington Church Street, London, W8 4DS, near Notting Hill Gate tube station.
A large area of the premises had been unused by the previous temporary postmaster. Now much better use of space has been achieved including adding a Nisa Local supermarket, including office supplies, alongside Kensington Church Street Post Office.
Services are offered at one traditional full-screened counter, two open plan counters and a Post Office service point situated alongside the retail till of the store.
Joe Powell MP said: “I’m really pleased to officially open the new-look Kensington Church Street Post Office and I know the improved services and longer hours will make a real difference to local residents. This is another important win for our area – and I’ll keep campaigning to protect and improve the Post Office services we all rely on.”
Some extra services have been added to provide a full range of Post Office services for the convenience of customers. There is now a comprehensive range of travel money, vehicle tax, Local Collect, change Giving services for business banking customers, automated business deposits over £200 and Parcel Force Worldwide services. Customers can also renew their passports online or paper-based with check and send services, driving licence photocard renewal and identity verification service.
In addition to the traditional mail services there are also DPD and Evri buy in branch, drop off and collection services, plus Amazon collections and returns.
Shehzad has been postmaster for St Johns Wood for seven years. The customer profile of his existing branch and Kensington Church Street Post Office are very similar.
This gave him insight into what improvements to make as part of the big refurbishment including a high-end supermarket, modern, light, airy environment with a spacious feel.
Postmaster, Shehzad Mania, said: “Customers are very happy with all the improvements made, the extra Post Office services, longer opening hours, and the convenience of having a supermarket on their doorstep. They really missed having the branch open for two months, but they are very pleased with the end result, and they can understand why it was necessary for the branch to close for that length of time due to all the changes made.
“There is only one bank left in the area, however, we can offer business and personal banking on behalf of all the major high street banks."
The new opening hours are Monday to Saturday 9am - 5.30pm. This means that the branch is now open on Saturday afternoons, making it easier for customers to visit.
There are four familiar Post Office staff who continue to work in Kensington Church Street Post Office, whilst two chose to retire. New members of staff are working in the shop.