Detailed structural survey work continues in project to restore Northwich library

Cheshire West and Chester Council is progressing in its plans to renovate the historic Northwich Library building.

Since the building closed in August, surveys and testing have begun with more in-depth investigations taking place in the coming weeks as part of a phased approach to restore it and make it fit for future generations of library users.

Residents will see new scaffolding being put up to stabilise the building this month in preparation for a full refurbishment of the building in the next phase of the project.

A new temporary home for library services and events in Northwich will be identified for the duration of the refurbishment work and a decision on location will be confirmed in October.

Councillor Louise Gittins, leader of Cheshire West and Chester Council, said: “Library services are an important public service in our borough, providing access to resources to inspire and inform and spaces for communities to come together. This is particularly evident in Northwich Library which is popular among the community.

“Unfortunately, this historic and much valued library building in Northwich needs significant repair, which the Council is committed to carrying out. We are investing Council funding to renovate the building. Once the external stabilisation work is completed this winter and the internal redesigns are finalised, internal rebuilding work will begin in 2023.

“We will continue to provide extended hours in nearby locations until we can confirm a longer-term temporary location for the library, where residents of Northwich can continue to use these services for the duration of the works.”

Library services with extended opening hours are currently operating at Sandiway, Barnton and Weaverham libraries and loans from Northwich are being extended to the end of October. Scheduled events have moved to new locations.

For details: 

Northwich Library | Cheshire West and Chester Council

Online services, including eBooks, can be accessed 24 hours a day at:

www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/libraries

Pictured - Northwich Library.