Work is set to start on fitting out a multi-million pound library in Nottingham this summer. The long-awaited Central Library, which will be based at the new Broad Marsh Car Park and Bus Station, is expected to be completed by summer 2023.
In an announcement on Monday, May 16, Nottingham City Council said the library would consist of three floors and include an extensive book collection, high-quality children's library with a storytelling room, as well as a café and a reception area which can be converted into a performance space.
A report to the council’s Executive Board on May 24 says that a number of assessments have been carried out, recommending that the £10.5m fit-out starts in July. Leader of the Labour-run city council, David Mellen, said the library, which replaces the Angel Row library, would help "breathe new life" into the area.
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“If approved, Nottingham’s new Central Library will be a key element of the regeneration of this part of the city which is well underway," he said. “From next summer when it is scheduled to open, we expect more people to be attracted to the area, which has been undergoing a transformation for a number of years.
"Along with the new college at one end of Collin Street and the revitalised castle offer at the other, the library would help to breathe new life into the area with its reimagined pedestrian-friendly streets and public spaces, new car park, bus station and shops and heritage-led improvements."
The provision of the new Central Library has been considered as part of a thorough Libraries Needs Assessment commissioned by the city council. Meanwhile, the authority is proposing to close three public libraries as part of plans to save £233,000, including Basford Library in Vernon Road, the Radford Lenton Library in Lenton Boulevard and Aspley Library in Nuthall Road.
This has been fiercely protested by campaign group Save Nottingham Libraries, which has so far prompted two Labour councillors to go against their own party's plans. Portfolio holder for leisure, culture and planning, Cllr Pavlos Kotsonis, added: “It’s exciting to see the designs for the modern Central Library.
"If the proposal is approved it will create a wonderful facility for all residents and visitors, but perhaps especially children who will be able to enjoy a fantastic collection of books, an immersive audio-visual story telling room and plenty of spaces to enjoy reading and take part in fun activities."
