Transformation plan for Redhill library announced by Surrey County Council

The project, approved by Surrey County Council’s Cabinet on 26 June (2023), will modernise services and create flexible, innovative and inclusive spaces that best meet the needs of residents. It forms part of the County’s library strategy, which is focused on ensuring that Surrey libraries deliver a service that is fit for the future and accessible to all.

Reigate & Banstead Borough Council has committed £500k in Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) funding towards Redhill library’s improvements.

Redhill library is included in the first phase of this work, alongside other key Surrey libraries including Epsom, Staines, Woking and Weybridge, with completion expected by the end of 2024.

For Redhill, Epsom and Woking libraries this means the creation of flagship facilities that will include:

• flexible meeting rooms with kitchenette
• moveable partitions/walls to create agile workspaces
• meeting pods
• new furniture
• a fully flexible layout throughout with space for events and performances, exhibitions, partner organisations and community use.

Plans for Staines and Woking include the creation of community ‘Hubs’.

Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Communities and Community Safety at Surrey County Council, Denise Turner-Stewart said: “It’s fantastic to be able to invest in our libraries and create cultural and community hubs so they are better placed to serve Surrey’s residents. The improvements will provide the opportunity to redesign and refurbish some of our key libraries, providing updated, attractive and inviting places where people can read, socialise, study and relax. This work is all about making sure Surrey’s libraries are all vibrant hubs, providing warm, friendly spaces where everyone is welcome.”

Cllr Rich Michalowski, Executive Member for Place, Planning and Regulatory Services at Reigate & Banstead Borough Council, said: “This is tremendous news for Redhill library, the town centre and most importantly, local residents. We are really pleased to provide funding through our Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) to support the delivery of this project. This is a great example of how CIL, which comes from contributions from new development, is being used to benefit our communities.”

The development of the libraries follows on from the approval of the 2019 Library and Cultural Services Strategy and is closely aligned with the Surrey 2030 community vision and the Hubs programme, which looks to deliver services in a joined-up way allowing residents to access multiple services in one location and support the council’s ultimate ambition – that no one is left behind.

For more information about the plans for Staines and Weybridge libraries see Surrey County Council’s press release.

To find out more about libraries in Surrey visit the Surrey Libraries web pages: https://www.surreycc.gov.uk/libraries