Topsham Library relocates to make way for bespoke new building
Topsham Library will temporarily relocate to the Nelson Close Community Centre in Topsham to make way for a brand new community hub.
The new ‘Community Hub’ is being built by Estuary League of Friends following a successful funding bid to the Big Lottery Fund and fundraising efforts by the charity, reaching a total of £1.95million. On completion, the hub will comprise of a day centre room, community café, exercise and fitness space, two treatment rooms, a laundry, meeting/training room, serviced offices and improved library facilities.
The current library service, run by Libraries Unlimited in partnership with Estuary, will close on Thursday 13th April, and will re-open in the Nelson Close Community Centre in May, following cosmetic improvements to the temporary space.
Libraries Unlimited have been working with Exeter City Council to agree a lease on the premises and are currently awaiting planning permission for a temporary change of use. Local residents who use the Centre have been consulted to ensure they are happy with plans for the relocation.
The temporary library space will be redecorated and carpeted, and residents will continue to benefit from the improvements when the library moves back into the new Community Hub next year.
Estuary League of Friends will start work on the development of the Community Hub in May, with an estimated opening date of June 2018. The new two-storey building will provide space for a range of community events and activities alongside Estuary’s existing services.
Library opening hours will be slightly altered during the relocation period to ensure that residents retain access to the main lounge room for social activities on Wednesday and Thursday afternoons. Library users will be able to borrow extra items whilst the library relocates to its temporary premises, and items can be returned to any Devon library, with the nearest being in Exeter and Exmouth.
Library users can also reserve, renew and download books, audio books, films, music and more from the Devon Libraries website www.devon.gov.uk/libraries
The opening hours in the temporary library will be as follows:
Monday - 14.00-17.00
Tuesday - 10.00-13.00 & 14.00-17.00
Thursday - 10.00-13.00
Friday - 14.30-17.00
Saturday - 10.00-13.00
Topsham library service is run by Libraries Unlimited, the charity and social enterprise responsible for all of Devon’s library services.
Ciara Eastell, Chief Executive of Libraries Unlimited said: “We have been working closely with Exeter City Council to find suitable premises for the temporary relocation of Topsham Library services. We are pleased that we have agreed on the Nelson Close Community Centre, where local library users and Centre residents will have access to all of the usual services.
“Our aim is to be in the temporary location as soon as possible, once we have received planning permission, to avoid unnecessary disruption to services. We are very excited about the prospect of moving the library into the new Community Hub next year, where we will be able to offer improved library services and opening hours in a purpose-built community space. We wish Estuary League of Friends all the best for the construction process and look forward to working with the team to develop the new library space.”
For more information about the relocation of Topsham Library email info@librariesunlimited.org.uk or call 0345 155 1001.
For more information about Libraries Unlimited, visit www.librariesunlimited.org.uk/ or follow Libraries Unlimited on Twitter @LibrariesUnLtd or Facebook/LibrariesUnlimited.
