Plans for Northwich Library renovation to be shared at drop-in event
Cheshire West and Chester Council is hosting a drop-in event to share plans for the renovation of Northwich Library.
Critical repairs to the original Library building are now complete following the building’s closure in August 2022 for safety reasons, and renovation work is now able to begin. These designs show the Council’s exciting plans for the building.
The drop-in event will take place at the current temporary Northwich Library at Weaver Hall Museum on London Road between 2pm and 7pm on Friday 14 March. There is no need to register, just call in.
Library staff and the design team from Ellis Williams Architects who are working on the project will be on hand to explain more about the work that has already taken place, share exciting images of the new look library, and answer any questions that people may have.
The aim is to create an accessible and welcoming Library and learning space. It is envisaged that it will include the library, an accessible first floor hosting a Skills and Employment Hub and flexible activity and meeting spaces for all. It is anticipated that the library will reopen to the public in 2026.
In August 2022, as the age and condition of the existing timber-framed building meant that the library needed to be closed to protect public safety and allow structural engineers to carry out stabilisation work, structural investigations and technical surveys. Following this, in March 2023 immediate repair works to two thirds of the west elevation started. Repair works included safe asbestos removal from floor voids, replacement of floor joists and floorboards and replacement and repair of elements of the timber frame on the west elevation. Due to the historic nature of the building and its listed building status, the initial repair works were complex. Additional structural scaffolding was then installed on the final West elevation panel and design work has now been completed.
The Council is committed to the future of Northwich Library and recognises its value as a vital hub for the community in Northwich and the sense of pride the building itself brings to people who live in the town. The Council’s capital funding has been supplemented by the UK Government’s Libraries Improvement Fund which is administered by Arts Council England.
The Library has always played a key role in Northwich and it holds a special place for many people. The work that has taken place to make the building safe to use has been a big undertaking. We are delighted to be moving onto the exciting work of refurbishing and creating a library and learning space for the future. We are pleased to share the plans with the people of Northwich and we are all looking forward to being able to use the library building again as soon as possible. I would like to thank people for their patience as work continues on making the library fit for future generations to use for years to come. In the meantime, the temporary library at Weaver Hall Museum continues to serve the town, offering a varied collection of books, Wi-Fi and computer use, with lots of events and activities for people of all ages alongside the express offer at Brio Memorial Court.
We know just how loved the Library is by the people of Northwich, and Cheshire West & Chester Council is, and always has been, fully committed to it. The repair works that the Council has undertaken will ensure that the building is of a quality standard and will help to reduce issues with the building as much as possible in the future. These designs prioritise its historical features and make it fit for the future. I encourage people to come along to the drop-in event to see the exciting plans.
Northwich Library opened in its temporary location at Weaver Hall Museum in January 2023, while the library building on Witton Street is being renovated.
The temporary library features a curated collection of the latest fiction and non-fiction titles for adults and children, internet access via public computers and free Wi-Fi, plus a range of events, activities and groups.
There is also a self-service library option at Brio Memorial Court where books can be returned and more can be selected from a bespoke range. Libraries at Barnton, Sandiway and Weaverham are open as usual, you can use any of our libraries to access activities, return/borrow items or use the ICT and other facilities.
Opening times and information about events and activities taking place at the library at Weaver Hall Museum can be found online:
For the latest updates on the renovation of Northwich Library, visit the Council website: