New look bigger and better Northcote Library opening soon

The finishing touches are now being applied to a landmark project providing residents living in and around Battersea’s Northcote Road with a bigger and better local library in the heart of their neighbourhood.

The existing 1960s-era Northcote library is being replaced with a larger and better equipped public library and community centre offering a wider range of services.

Construction work is now virtually complete on its modern three storey replacement that will offer a dedicated and improved children’s section, enlarged study accommodation, self-serve kiosks for book loans, upgraded computer and digital learning areas, an events space and restroom facilities.

The new Northcote library will provide 848 square metres of usable floor space compared with the existing library’s 728 sqm.

It will also incorporate eco-friendly energy measures including solar panels - reducing its carbon footprint and making the new building more sustainable.

Alongside the new library a new community centre is also being provided for use by local groups and a nursery.

The previous community building - Chatham Hall - was built in the 1950s and is being replaced with a modernised equivalent that will provide better kitchen and toilet facilities, while also benefiting from its own dedicated outdoor courtyard amenity space for educational, leisure and recreational use. This will be available shortly after the library is opened.

Judi Gasser, Wandsworth’s Cabinet Member for Environment, said: “We are now just a short time away from cutting the ribbon to open this fantastic new library and soon afterwards its neighbouring new community centre. When they open they will offer fantastic community resources for people of all ages living in this part of Battersea.

“There will be a bigger and better fully modernised library with a larger children’s section, alongside a new and improved community centre, able to offer much better accommodation to local groups.

”These brand new buildings also incorporate the latest carbon reduction technology, so will be much more sustainable than the old library and much more energy efficient. It is actions like this that will help us reach our ambitious climate change targets.

“And at a time when many councils in London and elsewhere are closing libraries to save money we are expanding and improving our provision.

'We are also now working on a new strategy for our libraries, to ensure that they are fully accessible to all our residents and offer the services people want. We will be consulting with residents later this year.

“This is a council delivering better services for all for the same low council tax.”