Changes to Hastings Library refurbishment scheme agreed

Changes to a major refurbishment of Hastings Library have been agreed.
Hastings Library SUS-160801-094906001Hastings Library SUS-160801-094906001
Hastings Library SUS-160801-094906001

East Sussex County Council is currently carrying out a complete revamp of the Grade II listed building, in Claremont, which will also see the children’s library move from its current base in nearby Robertson Passage.

Plans aim to create a more welcoming entrance area as well as rationalising office accommodation on the top three floors into the basement, opening up more of the building for public use.

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An application for listed building consent was unanimously approved by East Sussex County Council’s Planning Committee back in February.

A further application for alterations to these plans, including reducing the size of the ground-floor toilets, providing additional toilets on the first floor, and installing two sets of electronic security barriers was approved by the same committee on Wednesday (August 17).

Godfrey Daniel (Lab, Hastings - Braybrooke and Castle), chair of the committee, said: “I welcome these changes. They look like improvements.”

He explained that previously there were no public toilets at all, and having toilets closer to the children’s library seemed like a good idea.

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He added: “I’m in favour and look forward to the completion of the building.”

While the refurbishments are taking place both libraries are operating out of the Robertson Passage building, with the main library due to reopen in the spring of 2017.

The new facility will have around 80 square metres of extra public space, more public access computers, free Wi-Fi, and new public toilets.

During the closure, library facilities will be available at nearby libraries, including those at Hollington, Ore, and Bexhill, while people can also browse the catalogue and download e-books via the council’s e-library.

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