Last Updated on 12th April 2022 by Dan

Beeston library to get 1 million revamp to remove asbestos

Beeston library in Nottinghamshire is to receive a £1 million revamp after a large quantity of asbestos was found to be present inside the building.  The work will be completed over a 9 month period.

As well as work inside the building to remove asbestos, the roof will also be replaced as well as windows, lighting and drainage works.

New rooms will be created to include a brand new I.T facility, meeting rooms and art rooms, as well as an exhibition space.

Local residents have expressed differing opinions on the news of the works to be carried out at the town’s library.

Member of the Beeston District Civic Society Committee, Dr Richard Hutchinson, has said that he doesn’t think the library needs the works to be done.

Richard said, “I don’t think the library was in bad shape at all.  I don’t know why they are spending £1 million on it, I’m sure there are other things that would need doing first.”

Christopher Frost, a local Photographer said, “The library was moved around about two or three years ago and the mistake they made then was to move the exhibition area upstairs. We shall see how the layout is and where the exhibition space is.  I think the blueprint they should work on is West Bridgford library.  Also, I think people are so used to having the entrance on the side that I’m not sure what help opening up the Foster Avenue entrance is going to have.  It’s always a good thing to have that sort of money put into the area, but it just depends on how it is used.”

Local Council and Investment company excited by plans

Inspire’s chief executive officer, Peter Gaw, the company set up by the council, said: “At Inspire, we’re excited about the development of Beeston Library and the opportunity it gives us to create an inventive, modern space for the people of Beeston, and indeed Nottinghamshire.”

Chairman of Nottinghamshire County Council’s culture committee,  John Knight, said, “This is part of our commitment to modernise our libraries across the County to ensure they are fit for purpose and continue to be inspiring centres for reading, learning, culture and community activity for many years to come.”

Beeston library will be closed from 1st October  2016 at 4pm, and a temporary library will be set up in the local Beeston Community Centre a couple of weeks later.

The libraries in Stapleford and Toton will also open for longer whilst Beeston library is closed for the renovation works.

Duty holders and employers have a legal responsibility to manage asbestos in their building so as not to put employees at risk. Contact our Armco office for asbestos management and refurbishment/ demolition surveys on 0161 763 3727 or by visiting https://www.armco.org.uk/

Alternatively, for all your asbestos training needs call 0161 761 4424 or visit https://www.armcoasbestostraining.co.uk/ for more information or to book a training course.

Published Sep 19, 2016