Czech National Bank to sell Historic branch building in Ústí nad Labem

The Czech National Bank (CNB) has announced plans to sell its branch building in Ústí nad Labem, a move aligned with the ongoing digitization of its banking services. Starting on 1 November, the CNB will close its cash desk at this location, and by 2027, all cash circulation and payment operations in Ústí will cease, according to CNB spokeswoman Petra Vlčková.

The closure of the cash services at the Ústí branch is part of a broader effort by the CNB to streamline operations and embrace digital banking. “All positions connected to cash services in Ústí nad Labem have been eliminated,” said Vlčková, noting that the affected staff have not been offered replacements. Across the bank’s offices, a total of 43 positions will be cut as part of the digital transformation, with similar closures planned for branches in Plzeň and České Budějovice.

Although the cash desk will close, citizens will still be able to exchange damaged banknotes and coins at commercial banks, which are legally required to provide this service. For the exchange of invalid banknotes, customers can visit CNB branches in Prague, Brno, Ostrava, or Hradec Králové, or send them by post.

The CNB will not adjust its office hours following the closure of the Ústí cash desk. However, by 2027, all staff involved in cash operations will no longer be present at the branch. “We are working to find new roles within the CNB for employees currently engaged in financial market supervision in Ústí nad Labem,” added Vlčková.

The iconic branch building, constructed in the early 1990s in a post-modern style, is set to be sold in a competitive tender. The CNB hopes to secure the highest possible offer for the property. While parts of the building have been leased to various tenants, the bank will not pursue new rental agreements as it prepares the site for sale. Designed by architects Michal Gabriel and Miroslav Johanovský, the building is a notable post-revolution addition to the city center, featuring a distinctive pendulum on its façade.

This sale marks a significant change for Ústí nad Labem, where the building has been a landmark since the early 1990s.

Source: CNB and CTK