A north Liverpool Library that was set to be closed for a 12 weeks refurbishment is finally set to reopen its doors to the public a year later.
Spellow Library on County Road, Walton, closed in February 2022 ahead of a planned refurbishment which would see it fitted out with improved facilities, multi-use spaces and incorporate a community hub. The project, arranged by Liverpool City Council, was said to take 12 weeks with the neighbourhood focal point returning to service in May last year, but delays have seen its reopening date significantly pushed back.
Earlier this year in January there were conflicting reports on when the key community asset would open once again. Council documents said that the library would be open in February, but speaking at a meeting in the same month, Cllr Sarah Doyle, Liverpool Council cabinet member for development and economy, said that she could not provide a fixed day for the library’s return.
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It was noted that there were “unforeseen issues around the existing structure” as well as the supply of building materials as a result of Covid. The fitting of a new lift was also said to have contributed to the delays.
After the long wait, it has now been confirmed that Spellow Library is set to reopen this month. A spokesperson for Liverpool City Council told the ECHO that its doors will be open once again from March 21.
The refurbished community hub is set to form a blueprint for other council run communal spaces across the city, according to council documents. The library and new community hub look to combine Adult Learning Services and One Stop Shops, with development initiatives covering archives, physical activity, health, culture and digitisation.
The building is now fully accessible and inclusive with a new ramped entrance, platform lift, changing area, accessible W/C and induction loop. A ceremony marking the reopening will start at 10am on Tuesday 21 March.
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