The transformation of West Wickham Library is set to be revealed as the expanded library reopens this month, with the impressive building having already been shortlisted for an award.
The multi-million-pound refurbishment of the library has created a host of new facilities for residents with a modern café, business lounge and an expanded children’s library with outdoor space amongst the highlights contained within the attractive new exterior. West Wickham is the fifth library to reopen after refurbishment in the borough in recent years, representing over £30m in investment across sites, providing enhanced provisions while also minimising further maintenance costs.
The first Makerspace in a Bromley library is one exciting new facility, which provides equipment such as 3D printers, a die cutter and sewing machines to support residents and local entrepreneurs. To support specialist facilities like the Makerspace, the council has been successful in securing over £1m from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. The new library will also provide new bookable areas for residents, including a community space and business lounge, along with public toilets on each floor, and various new work and study spaces.
The Building London Planning Awards have already selected the library as a finalist for ‘Best Retrofit Project’ ahead of its reopening on Friday 27 June. The library has been designed with an attractive new frontage and glass surround on the first floor to adjoin the traditional library building.
Councillor Yvonne Bear, Portfolio Holder for Renewal, Recreation and Housing said:
“I’m sure residents passing by during the works have been curious about this landmark building as it has taken form in the heart of West Wickham and I encourage residents to soon explore the impressive new facilities firsthand. We use libraries throughout our lives and not just for books, which is why the council have long supported the borough’s beloved library network. Recent improvements across our libraries continue to drive their popularity, while ensuring they have the resources needed to support residents long into the future.”
Residents are encouraged to join for a day of special activities on Friday 27 June from 11:30am to 5pm to celebrate the opening. Festivities will include craft workshops, art activities and a children’s session with local author Peter Bently, with the Mayor officially opening the library at 11am.
The library will be run by Greenwich Leisure Limited (GLL), the charitable social enterprise who operate all Bromley’s libraries.
The library refurbishment was delivered alongside 26 new affordable homes on the nearby car park site as part of the council’s Bromley homes for Bromley people programme. The new housing will be completed later this year, which was delivered to support the library redevelopment and provide much-needed housing for the borough. Three alternative council car parks are available within a ten-minute walk of West Wickham library.
The council is continuing to deliver library refurbishments across the borough, with works now underway at Chislehurst, Mottingham and Orpington libraries. Plans to relocate Bromley Central Library to its new high street location are also progressing, with further information to be shared soon.
