Northwich Library welcomed a very special visitor this week

Sir Hugo Brunner, the great grandson of Sir John Tomlinson Brunner, was given a tour around the library building, which is currently being renovated ahead of reopening in 2027.

Sir Hugo’s father, Sir Felix Brunner, opened the extension to the current library in 1951 and his great grandfather, Sir John Tomlinson Brunner, commissioned the construction of the original Northwich Library building.

Sir Hugo Brunner said:

“The Library has played a key role in Northwich for more than 120 years and it holds a special place in the hearts of many people; the building is an iconic heritage asset for the town. The work that has taken place up to now to make this complex heritage building safe and enable this final stage of renovation has been a big undertaking; it is a privilege to see the exciting work of refurbishment in progress.”

The final stages of Cheshire West and Chester Council’s structural renovation and internal refurbishment of Northwich Library started in June.

The construction work involves full internal and external structural renovation and refurbishment. The Council’s capital funding has been supplemented by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport’s Libraries Improvement Fund which is administered by Arts Council England.

The Council-led refurbishment is creating an accessible and welcoming library and learning space, securing a much-loved community asset for generations to come. The renovated building will include the library, an accessible first floor hosting a Skills and Employment Hub and flexible activity and meeting spaces.

Cllr Lisa Denson, Cabinet Member for a Fairer Future, with responsibility for Libraries, Arts and Culture, said:

“The Council was delighted to welcome Sir Hugo Brunner back to Northwich today and mark the incredible contribution that his great grandfather made to the town and the legacy left for generations. It was great for the team to be able to show him the Council’s plans to restore the building to be fit for the future and continue this legacy. The Council is committed to the future of Northwich Library, it is a vital hub for the community and as a building that contains memories for many residents it provides a great deal of pride for people. Following initial safety works, the final phase of renovation is now taking place, prioritising the building’s historical features. We are excited to be able to welcome back the public to the library next year.”

Residents can continue to use Northwich Library at its temporary location in Weaver Hall Museum while the final phase of works to the library building on Witton Street are underway.

The temporary library features a curated collection of the latest fiction and non-fiction titles for adults and children, internet access via public computers and free Wi-Fi, plus a range of events, activities and groups.

There is also a Library Express option at Brio Memorial Court where books can be returned and more can be selected from a bespoke range. Libraries at Barnton, Sandiway and Weaverham are open as usual, you can use any of our libraries to access activities, return/borrow items or use the ICT and other facilities.

Opening times and information about events and activities taking place at the library at Weaver Hall Museum can be found online:

Northwich Library | Cheshire West and Chester Council

For the latest updates on the renovation of Northwich Library, visit the Council website:

Northwich Library renovation | Cheshire West and Chester Council

Pictured - Sir Hugo Brunner visiting Northwich Library on Wednesday 14th October 2026.