Latest update on Radcliffe Library

Friday, 19 July 2024 10:25

By David Murphy

Radcliffe Library will remain open while work to build brand new facilities at the Civic Hub takes place.

As part of the £40 million Radcliffe regeneration project, the existing library building in Stand Lane will be turned into an Enterprise Centre to support new businesses in Radcliffe.

Construction is due to start in the next two months and cannot be delayed, because the £1.2 million secured from the government (complemented by £455k from the council) for the project must be fully spent by March 2025.

Council leaders looked at moving the library to a number of locations, but have decided that the best and least disruptive solution would be stay at its current site. The library will be moved upstairs to the first floor while work to create the Enterprise Centre on the ground floor is carried out.

There will be lift access to the first floor, and opening hours will be unchanged, with the library continuing to provide the same range of services and activities to residents.

Work on the new Radcliffe Hub is well under way and is due to be completed in spring 2026.

Library services in the interim

Late September/early October: The library will be closed for several weeks while it is being relocated to the upper floor. During this time the ground floor will be sealed off, ready for construction of the Enterprise Centre. While Radcliffe Library is briefly shut, alternative library services and activities will be available across our other libraries at Bury, Prestwich and Ramsbottom.
End of October: The Enterprise Centre construction programme begins. To keep disruption to a minimum, major work is planned for times when the library will be closed.

Councillor Charlotte Morris, cabinet member for culture, the economy and skills, said: “Radcliffe residents will soon have a fabulous new library in the Hub we are currently building in the town centre.

“We were keen that local people could still access library facilities in the meantime, so it made sense to move upstairs at the existing building rather than move to a new location entirely.

“Local jobs and support for new and small local businesses is an essential part of Radcliffe regeneration. The new Enterprise Centre will provide much needed flexible working space, along with meeting rooms, business support services and community space.”

Cllr Morris added: “During construction projects some inconvenience is inevitable, but we will be doing everything possible to keep any disruption to a minimum.

“We want to thank everyone for their patience during this transitional period before Radcliffe Library gets its permanent new home.”

For all the details of the Radcliffe Regeneration plan, go to https://www.bury.gov.uk/planning-building-control/regeneration/radcliffe-regeneration

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