Work to deliver a new library for Shenfield has taken further steps forward.
Essex Housing, our development arm, has appointed contractors and started the first stages of demolition works.
Planning consent for the new library, and a modest development of nine apartments above, was granted in July 2021.
Essex Housing has now appointed SRG Group to demolish the current library and DCH Construction to build the new one.
Work to prepare the site for the demolition started on Monday (18 July). Hoarding has been put up around the site with demolition to begin in the next few weeks.
Whilst works are ongoing a comprehensive library service will continue from a temporary facility at Bishops Hill Adult Community Learning Centre, Rayleigh Road, Hutton, Brentwood, CM13 1BD.
The temporary facility has been welcoming visitors for a little over a month and has received positive feedback from both customers and staff.
Its opening hours are:
• Monday, Tues, Wednesday and Friday – 9am to 5.30pm
• Thursday – CLOSED
• Saturday – 9am to 5pm
The plans for Shenfield Library will deliver a new, modern library and meeting room with more floorspace than the current facilities. Plans also feature a new public garden and outdoor learning and activity space as well as a flexible commercial space designed to host a business use complementary to the library.
After demolition, construction is set to start this autumn for completion by the end of 2023.
Read more about the new library.
Earlier this year we approved our ambitious plans for a vibrant, modern and sustainable Library Service.