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Grade II listed library restoration work to begin

Alex PopeNorthamptonshire
News imageAlex Pope/BBC An upward view of a historic library façade featuring a stone statue in a niche, with scaffolding and blue netting to one side. Decorative stonework and a carved figure on a civic building are seen against a bright blue sky, with refurbishment scaffolding alongside. The upper section of a classical library building shows ornate detailing and a statue, partially framed by construction scaffolding. A heritage building façade with carved stone features and a figure labelled Dryden, with blue netting covering nearby scaffolding.Alex Pope/BBC
Northampton Central Library is located in the centre of town on Abington Street

A year's worth of work is due to start on a "well-loved" Grade II listed library to make sure it is future-proofed.

Northampton Central Library, in Abington Street, in the centre of the town, will have essential work carried out including roof repairs and the renovation of the Carnegie Room.

A new family hub, with therapy and sensory rooms, will also be created.

West Northamptonshire Council said the building which first opened in 1910 would remain open while the work was carried out.

News imageAlex Pope/BBC A wide view of a town-centre library building with scaffolding and blue netting covering part of the façade during restoration work. The full frontage of a historic public library shows ongoing repairs, with metal hoarding at street level and scaffolding above. Cars and pedestrians pass in front of a stone library building undergoing refurbishment, partially covered in construction materials.Alex Pope/BBC
The building first opened in 1910, and its exterior was designed by local architect Herbert Norman. It was listed in 1975

The work has been "designed to protect its longevity while modernising facilities and improving accessibility for residents, customers and staff, as well as bringing vital services together to be delivered in the one location", the council said.

The roof repairs will fix leaks and ensure "the building remains safe and operational", it added.

A new evacuation lift will be installed, public spaces will be updated, new flooring will be laid, it will be redecorated and the toilets will be upgraded.

Another registrar office will be added and the children's library will be redesigned.

The new family hub will feature "dedicated therapy rooms and a sensory space for children" up to the age of five, the council said.

News imageAlex Pope/BBC Corrugated metal hoarding lines the pavement outside a library building, with a small blue door set into the barrier. Temporary metal panels cover part of a stone library frontage, with a sign visible beside an entrance. A narrow street view showing construction hoarding attached to a building, with a blue access door and signage for library opening hours. Metal sheeting encloses building works on a town-centre library, partially obscuring the entrance. A pavement bordered by grey construction panels, with a small secured doorway and library signage behind.Alex Pope/BBC
Boarding has already been put up outside the building

Reform UK councillor Kamala Guliyeva, cabinet member for local economy, culture and leisure, said: "This is a much-needed refurbishment of one of Northampton's most important and well-loved public buildings.

"These essential works will help protect the future of the library, ensuring it remains a safe, accessible and welcoming space for our communities."

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