New Central Library building to receive £10.5m fit-out

Artist's impression of the new library's reception area

Nottingham’s new Central Library will receive a £10.5m fit-out in preparation for its grand opening next summer if new proposals are given the green light.

The development is part of the building that houses the new Broad Marsh Car Park and Bus Station.

Work to fit out the three-storey facility – a key part of the regeneration of the city’s Southside – is set to begin in July.

Meanwhile, the sale of the former Central Library building at Angel Row also continues, with a planning application for its new use expected to be submitted next month.

A masterplan for the wider Broad Marsh site which includes green space, an enhanced entrance to the City of Caves attraction and a mixture of housing, retail and leisure is already in place.

City Council Leader, Councillor David Mellen, said: “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, and I’m pleased we are able to announce our plans for its fit-out. I’m really excited to recommend to our Executive that this great new facility should start which would provide a modern Central Library including a fantastic children’s library.

“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 area will change further still when the vision for the former shopping centre site can begin to be put into action, further enhancing Broad Marsh as a great gateway to the city.”

Portfolio Holder for Leisure, Culture & Planning, Cllr Pavlos Kotsonis, said: “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.

“While it was of course really important for us to carry out assessments of the scheme’s design and affordability, I understand that people are frustrated by the delay and eager to get the new facility opened – something that came across very clearly in the consultation.”

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