Video: Inspire chief executive Peter Gaw speaking about Beeston Library’s redevelopment
Beeston Library is getting a £1m redevelopment which will see the facility completely closed for nine months.
Work starts when the library closes on Sunday October 1 at 4pm with a temporary library opening at the Beeston Youth and Community Centre on Monday October 24 until work is completed.
Inspire is a community benefit society responsible for the revamp and has a contract with the County Council to provide the services from the 60 libraries across Nottinghamshire.
Major parts of the redevelopment
- New roof, windows, ceiling, lights, flooring and heating system
- Reopening of the original main entrance on Foster Avenue
- New arts and learning room
- New IT suite
- Improvements to meeting areas and exhibition spaces
Chief executive of Inspire Peter Gaw said: “The County Council has funded a refurbishment programme over many years and Beeston is the next in that list.
“Beeston is one of our major libraries, probably the third or fourth busiest library in Nottinghamshire, so it’s a major site for us.
“We’ve learnt from many big projects, such as Newark, West Bridgford, Worksop, Stapleford, where we’ve learnt how to represent and redesign our library spaces to make them fit for the future.”
Libraries are a unique experience and they’re very popular
Mr Gaw believes that Inspire have stayed true to the roots of each library they have redeveloped and that Beeston will be no different.
He said: “We haven’t thrown away the past, as they are very book focused, but we’ve also designed spaces that involves arts, encourages learning and places for people to meet.
“Libraries are quite unique as they are public open spaces that are part of the community.
“There’s lots to do and you can stay for five minutes or the whole day – it’s a unique experience and they’re very popular.”
