Community

New Shenfield Library officially opens!

26 February 2025

A ribbon cutting ceremony took place on 26 February to celebrate the official opening of Shenfield’s new library.

A brand new, state of the art library is now open in Shenfield and ready to welcome residents.

The larger, modern and bright library replaces the old library. This was ageing and in need of repair, with high ongoing maintenance costs.

The building includes a new commercial space. It also provides a new public garden, outdoor learning and activity space.

Several dignitaries joined the official opening ceremony on 26 February. These included Councillor Mark Durham, Councillor Louise McKinlay, Councillor Lee Scott and Alex Burghart MP. The Mayor of Brentwood, Councillor Haigh, along with local Councillors from Brentwood were also there.

It is Essex County Council’s first new library to use Air Source Heat Pumps. The development also including various other sustainability credentials.

Money from the sale of nine luxury apartments above funded the new library, supported by the new commercial space. The site also received around £124,000 of grant funding from the Government's Brownfield Land Release Fund. This is part of the One Public Estate, to support the use of council owned brownfield land for housing.

It’s wonderful to see the new library open, and because of the improved layout we have been able to increase the number of books available by 15%. In addition to more books, we now have a children’s library, a meeting room, and have increased our Rhyme Time Sessions from one to four a week.

Councillor Mark Durham, Cabinet Member for Arts, Heritage and Culture

This new development has been delivered by Essex Housing, Essex County Council’s in-house property developer. It is part of an exciting programme of over 1,000 new homes Essex Housing is bringing forward in the next five years.

Around half of these are either specialist or affordable housing. These will help older people and people with disabilities to live independently.

The new Shenfield Library is a fantastic facility for the community, and I am delighted to see it open to the public. It’s great that residents will have access to the benefits of the modern library facilities, as well as both indoor and outdoor community space.

Councillor Louise McKinlay, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for the Communities, Economic Growth and Prosperity

I am delighted that Essex Housing has redeveloped this site to provide high quality housing and a new and improved library. I’d like to thank residents again for their patience whilst the work was completed and hope they enjoy the new facilities on offer.

Councillor Lee Scott, Cabinet Member for Housing, Planning and Regeneration