Brent Council has issued the following press release:
A revised planning application to redevelop Willesden Library and replace it with a state of the art cultural centre was submitted last Wednesday (31 October).Link to Brent Planning site: 12./2924 LINK 12/2925 LINK
The application, which was submitted by developer Galliford Try, details proposals to deliver a brand new library and cultural centre that will act as the main service delivery hub for the south of the borough.
The proposed revised design is a result of extended consultation with the local community which took place over August and September and includes the old Victorian library as part of the plans.
Brent has secured a self-financing scheme which involves working with developer partner, Galliford Try, to deliver the new cultural centre in return for developing homes on the remainder of the current site for market sale.
For the past few month residents have met with council officers and Galliford Try to revisit the original design and discuss alternative proposals for the new centre and its design.
In response to the recent extended period of consultation Brent has made several changes to the design, including;
The proposals for the centre also include a children's library, IT provision, museum, community gallery, archive, archive store, three community spaces (which will provide an array of programmed creative events), café/ bookshop, multi faith contemplation room and high quality public spaces designed for markets and events.
- completely redesigning the scheme to include the old library
- increasing the size of the new library within the centre
- creating room for more study spaces and computers
- changing the brief for the building so that it could, potentially, include a bookshop.
Cllr George Crane Lead Member for Regeneration and Major Projects said: "Thank you to the many residents who got involved in consultation and gave up their time to help us develop plans for this new centre."
If the project gets the green light the council hopes to build on its close working with stakeholders to develop the building proposals including how it is may be used and managed.
