West Springfield-based United Bank recently announced plans to significantly expand its branch in the Longmeadow Shops on Bliss Road. 

"When the landlord, Grove Property Management, offered us the additional space next door to our existing branch, we jumped at the offer," Richard B. Collins, president and CEO, said in a statement. "We have been in Longmeadow since 1997 and have been delighted by the warm reception given to us by the community. We opened our existing branch in the Longmeadow Shops in 2001. We believe that The Shops provides an excellent location for us to serve the banking needs of the Longmeadow community."

United Bank has maintained a branch in the Longmeadow Shops since 2001. The future branch will feature a larger lobby, private office, walk-up ATM and safe deposit boxes. The branch will offer retail banking, mortgage, commercial and business lending and wealth management and financial planning professionals.

The expansion is expected to be complete by early next year. The current branch will remain open during renovations.