New chapter for Woodingdean Library as works starts

Demolition of Woodingdean’s old library is now complete as contractors prepare the ground for the new combined library and medical centre.

The library will be almost double the size of the previous one.  It will feature a separate computer suite, small meeting room and an out-of-hours entrance, enabling the community to maximise use of the building.

The new medical centre will provide much-needed larger premises for Dr Sagar and Partners, currently at 1 The Ridgway. This will enable the practice to offer more facilities and services, plus better access for anyone with limited mobility.

During construction, a temporary library cabin located by the Community Centre is open Monday 10am-1pm, 2-5pm; Thursday 10am-1pm, 2-7pm; Saturday 10am-1pm, 2-4pm. Telephone 01273-296928.

The new library and medical centre is expected to be open in April 2014.

Geoffrey Bowden, chair of the economic development and culture committee said:  "I am really pleased that this project will shortly start rising out of the ground.  When other local authorities are closing their libraries, Brighton & Hove is bucking the trend and building a facility that will be double the size of the former 50 year old 'temporary' library.  

“Local ward councillors, the council's library services, the local GPs and the partner developer have worked hard to make this project happen. Everyone will be delighted when this major asset for the Woodingdean community, and the city as a whole, is delivered in April next year."

Nicolas Arnold, Managing Director of the developer Medcentres said: “We are very proud to be facilitating this exciting community development.”

In a statement  the surgery partners, Drs Sagar, Emilianos and Wilson said " We are looking forward to working with the library and the local residents, making best use of this wonderful opportunity for the benefit of the community. "