PROPOSALS to carry out more than £100,000 worth of improvements at Penketh Library are moving forward.
Warrington Borough Council and LiveWire are progressing with refurbishment works at Penketh Library following consultation with the local community and The Friends of Penketh Library on what improvements should be made.
The council will shortly be going out to tender to identify a contractor to carry out the works, which will breathe new life into the library and create a more vibrant, flexible space for the whole community to enjoy.
It is the latest part of the council’s £1m libraries investment programme, which is modernising community libraries across the borough.
The improvement works, which will cost an estimated £104,000 to carry out, will include:
The creation of a new community room in memory of Jane Forshaw, founder and former Chair of The Friends of Penketh Library
New furniture and fittings, to make the space more flexible for community use
External repairs to window sills, fascias and guttering
Internal decoration, including painting and new window blinds
An upgrade to the toilet for public use, including improving accessibility
The refurbishment will be another step forward in providing much-needed visible improvements to the Honiton Way area, whilst a masterplan for the area remains a long-term ambition.
Emma Hutchinson, Managing Director of LiveWire, said: “It is fantastic news that the first steps are being taken towards the refurbishment and modernisation of Penketh Library, which plays such an important role in the local community. It is particularly fitting that the work will include a tribute to Jane Forshaw, who dedicated so much of her time to the library and is much missed. We look forward to work beginning on these exciting plans.”
Warrington Borough Council’s Director of Corporate Services, Lynton Green, who is also Chair of the Libraries Partnership Board, said: “Our libraries modernisation programme continues to progress well, and I’m delighted that Penketh is the latest community library to be benefiting from improvement and modernisation works.
“I would like to thank the Friends of Penketh Library, who have worked closely with the council and LiveWire to develop our plans for a flexible, attractive library which meets the needs of the local community. I’m looking forward to work getting under way.”
Phil Forshaw, of The Friends of Penketh Library, said: “We are delighted that our much-loved Penketh Library is being refurbished and modernised. This will be of great benefit to our local community.”
For more information on LiveWire’s libraries please visit: https://livewirewarrington.co.uk/library/using-livewire-libraries
