Developments

First steps in a new Library for Shenfield

14 July 2022

Essex Housing, Essex County Councils (ECC) development arm, is taking the next steps in delivering Shenfield's new library with the appointment of contractors and the commencement of demolition works.

In July 2021, Essex Housing secured planning consent to revitalise the site through the construction of a new library funded by a modest development of nine high-quality apartments above the library space.

Following a competitive procurement process, Essex Housing have appointed SRC Group to complete the demolition of the current library and DCH Construction to build the new facility.

Work to prepare the site for the demolition phase commenced on Monday 18 July, with hoardings erected around the site. Demolition of the buildings will begin in the next few weeks.

Throughout this period a comprehensive library service will continue from a temporary library facility at Bishops Hill Adult Community Learning Centre, Rayleigh Road Hutton Brentwood CM13 1BD, which opened in May.

The temporary facility has been welcoming visitors for a little over a month and has received positive feedback from both customers and staff.

The approved plans for Shenfield Library will deliver a new, modern library and meeting room with more floorspace than the current facilities, a new public garden and outdoor learning and activity space as well as a flexible commercial space designed to host a business use complementary to the library.

The high-quality design of the new building also provides a new focal point for Hutton Road in Shenfield as well as a range of environmental and sustainability measures including air source heat pumps, solar panels and electric vehicle charging points for each of the apartments.

Once works have been completed, Shenfield Library will offer modern facilities for local residents, including a new outdoor green space, upgraded IT equipment, refreshed book stock and more. I am delighted that works will shortly be underway and that the project is moving forward on time.

Cllr Louise McKinlay, ECC Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Community, Equality, Partnerships and Performance.

Following completion of demolition construction work on the library is set to start in Autumn 2022. It is anticipated that construction will be complete by the end of 2023.