Northcote Library Rebuild - Have Your Say
Locals are being asked what they think of the new design
An artist's impression of the new library
Residents living in and around Northcote Road are being asked for their views on plans to build a bigger and better library and replacement community hall in their neighbourhood.
The plans would see a modern three storey library incorporating a children’s library complete with buggy parking space, enlarged study accommodation, self serve kiosks for book loans, upgraded computer and digital learning areas and a coffee and drinks outlet next to the section containing newspapers, magazine and periodicals.
This new library would be built almost directly opposite the existing one on land currently occupied by council-owned garages at Staplehurst Court and Chatham Hall.
The development would also include community space to replace that currently offered at Chatham Hall and introduce a new business suite on its second floor offering small local businesses state-of-the-art communications technologies, adaptable work spaces and meeting rooms for hire.
If the plans were to proceed the current library would remain fully open to the public until the new one is ready to open its doors.
The cost of building the new library would be met by also constructing and selling 17 residential units spread across both sites. This would mean that local council tax payers would not have to pay a penny towards their new library.
Nine flats would be built as part of the new library development while another eight, plus retail space for two shops, would be provided on the existing library site.
The current library building’s flaws include restricted access to its first floor children’s library, no room to safely and securely store buggies, no space to provide computer access on the ground floor, obsolete and inflexible shelving which does not make the best use of the available space, the building is poorly ventilated and lacking natural light and inadequate toilet and baby changing facilities.
Information leaflets outlining the proposals are to be distributed throughout the area and there will be information boards installed at Northcote Library until Sunday, March 5th.
Drop-in sessions are also being held at the library giving local residents the chance to ask questions face-to-face. These sessions will be held on the following date and times
- Thursday, February 9 between 5pm and 8pm
- Saturday, February 11 from 10am to 2pm
- Wednesday, February 22, 5pm to 8pm
- Saturday, February 25 between 10am and 2pm.
Residents who cannot attend these drop-in sessions can call (020) 7566 6463 to find out more or email info@northcotelibrary.co.uk. Information is also available at http://www.northcotelibrary.co.uk/.
January 30, 2017