HASLEMERE residents will soon get the chance to see for themselves the plans for the long- awaited new library and youth centre. Surrey County Council is inviting the people of Haslemere to see the latest plans for the facility at a special public exhibition next month. The plans will go on display at Haslemere Educational Museum on Tuesday, April 5, with a formal planning application expected in the near future submitted. The exhibition marks the latest stage in the ongoing public consultation since the initial plans were unveiled last November. As previously reported by The Herald, the county council is looking at constructing the new library and youth centre at the top of Wey Hill car park fronting the road. The Wey Centre at the back of the site would then be demolished and transformed into car parking. The executive member responsible for community services, Lavinia Sealy, described the whole project as a "major step forward for the town". "This is a unique opportunity for the people of Haslemere to acquire a landmark public building designed to meet their needs for information now and well into the future," she said. "It's an exciting development that captures perfectly the spirit of what we're doing to make our services, buildings and working practices fit for the 21st century. "The building is being designed to create the light and open spaces needed for a modern public library, while also providing an environment attractive to young people who want information and advice." A new feature of the building, incorporated at the request of Waverley Borough Council, is a locality office to bring together in one place a number of important local functions. Haslemere's volunteer bureau is also planning to have a presence in the new building. • The plans will be exhibited at Haslemere Museum on April 5 between 4 pm and 8 pm.
