West Bridgford Community Hub

Working in partnership Nottinghamshire County Council and Rushcliffe Borough Council have developed plans to replace the existing library on Bridgford Road with a brand new building.

The building should be a real boost to the area as it will house an extended library, registration service, customer services contact point, young people’s services and a range of flexible rooms and meeting spaces.

A public consultation took place last November, the results are available online [PDF 129 KB] or can be seen at West Bridgford Library. Many thanks to all who came along and took part in the consultation.

Several specific issues have been raised which will be considered as part of the detailed design. These include: location and adequacy of the toilets; environmental sustainability; detailed design of the library space; and relationship of the external areas with the park.

However, one significant issue has been identified through the consultation. It was understood that the stables were a late addition to the Hall and that it would be possible to get permission to demolish them as part of this project. However, indications have now been received from English Heritage that it would be more difficult than anticipated to gain listed building consent for their demolition. Consequently, revisions have been made to the proposals that will enable the stables to be retained and the hub to be developed.

The consultation received a substantial number of responses both to the questionnaires and individually to members of the team undertaking the consultation. There is a high level of support for the development of a community hub and the range of services that are proposed. Many respondents were keen for the proposals to go ahead quickly.

The reaction to building design is very much a personal matter. Overall, the respondents felt that the proposed design complements the Hall and adds to the local area. This is pleasing as the intention of the design was to be sympathetic to the listed building. Understandably, there is a strand of opinion that the existing library should be kept in part or whole. However, it was explained as part of the consultation that it was not possible to achieve the Councils’ ambitions for the multi-service hub and keep the existing building.

The consultation confirmed the view that the library service in West Bridgford is highly valued. Although a small minority of users are less likely to visit the community hub, a majority expect to use it more.

The Design Team have submitted a planning application for the new community hub, the design incorporates a proposal to retain the stable block and convert this to a provision for Youth Services.

Further time line information and planning details will be posted here soon.

For any further information please tel: 0115 977 4602 or e-mail: propertyworks@nottscc.gov.uk