A £10.5m funding package has been approved to fit out the new Central Library in Nottingham, part of the Broadmarsh development. The building, currently a shell attached to a multi-storey car park, is expected to open by next summer after delays due to the pandemic and financial pressures.
The city council missed out on government funding in October, leaving the opening date uncertain. Council leader David Mellen said the announcement came later than hoped, as the council would not commit to capital expenditure until funds were secured. A successful asset sale programme enabled the fit-out to proceed.
The new library will span three floors, featuring a children's library, extensive book collection, free access to computers and iPads, meeting rooms, and a learning lab for school visits. However, the approval has sparked criticism from campaigners fighting to save outlying libraries earmarked for closure.
Stewart Halforty of the Save Nottingham Libraries Campaign expressed dismay that over £10m could be found for a new library while three libraries in deprived areas face closure. He acknowledged the need for a central library but argued that parents prefer local libraries within walking distance rather than travelling to the city centre.
The former main library on Angel Row closed in March 2020 due to pandemic restrictions and has not reopened; the building is being sold off.
