HASLEMEREÕS long-awaited new library looks finally set to become a reality after more than four years of being in the pipeline
Planned to occupy the Wey Centre after its complete refurbishment and remodelling by the end of next year, work on the £1 million project is hoped to begin next summer.
The first plans are expected to be discussed with Haslemere town councillors next month followed by a public presentation some time later.
Although still at an early stage, Chris Norris the Head of Libraries for Surrey County Council told the Herald this week: ÒIt is an exciting opportunity for the town and we have really listened to what people have said.Ó
With the roof timbers this week being erected on the new Haslewey community centre, located in front of Tesco, the proposed library has for many years been dependent on finding a new home for Age Concern and other users of the Wey Centre.
After more than 15 years of planning, failed lottery bids and a scaled-down building that new facility is now scheduled for completion in spring of next year.
Builders are expected to move in and completely re-vamp the Wey Centre to provide a new open-plan library and study area with research space for young people. A childrenÕs play area, toilets, staff and workroom and a learning centre is also planned for the ground floor.
A mezzanine floor at the rear of the building will house another learning centre, a designated youth area, youth workersÕ office and proposed information centre.
Car parking would also be addressed to make more effective use of the space available.
Speaking this week, HaslemereÕs Surrey county councillor said: ÒBasically this is a practical proposition for the town, it is an affordable option which moves the existing out-dated library, a converted shop, into its own building.
ÒBuilt for todayÕs hi-tech world and the future, the new library comes after many years of endless attempts to find a new home for one of the townÕs most important facilities.Ó
ÒThis could be a winner and I am excited about the prospect,Ó said Mrs Stevens.
And Jackie Alison who has worked at the library for nine years Ð three-and-a-half of which as manager Ð said she was excited as everyone else. ÒWe hope it all goes ahead,Ó said Mrs Alison who runs the library with nine full and part-time staff.
Library hours could also be changed when the new building opens. Now closed on Mondays, with half-day closing on Wednesday and a late night on Fridays, Mr Norris said that the library service was Òthinking hardÓ about a change of library times to make them more customer friendly.
ÒWe are consulting with library users and local politicians and considering maybe extending the hours at a little extra cost,Ó he said.