Plans for new Reading central library go on display
The exhibition is at the current central library and the civic centre reception area
People in Reading are being invited to view detailed proposals for the town's new flagship library and Civic Centre reception at a public exhibition launching today.
People can see the plans – including a first look at architect images – at Reading Central Library on the Kings Road from 3.30pm on Thursday August 3, and after that during normal opening hours.
The plans will also be on show in the Civic Centre reception area itself.
On Thursday August 3 and Thursday August 10, the project team will be at Central Library between 3.30pm and 6.30pm if residents want to discuss the proposals or have any questions answered. The library is open from 10am to 7pm.
The public exhibition is a pre-cursor to a formal planning application being lodged with the Council’s planning team in September, for consideration this year.
If agreed by the Council’s planning application committee, works could start next spring, with an estimated completion date a year later, in spring 2025.
Plans for a replacement Central Library and new Civic Centre reception area have been made possible by the Council’s successful £19.1 million Levelling Up bid, which also includes a £13.7 million plan to create an attractive, flexible, and exciting new studio space for performances and community use at the Hexagon Theatre.
Councillor Jason Brock, Reading Borough Council Leader, said:
“This is the first opportunity for residents to see the exciting plans for a new flagship library for Reading – a modern, fully accessible, and versatile building which would be much more than just a repository of books.
“Our aim is to create a flexible space for the whole community which embraces not only that traditional offer of books loans but also looks to the future with a hugely improved digital and learning offer for the local community.
“Alongside that, we are also taking the opportunity to completely redesign our customer reception to make it as welcoming and efficient as it possibly can be – a safe, welcoming, and accessible space for residents.
“I would urge residents to make their way to either the existing Central Library or the reception at the Civic Offices to take a look at the plans for themselves and let us know what you think ahead of the formal planning application being submitted.”
The proposed brand new custom-built Central Library would be added to the existing Civic Offices site to create a modern and open space, offering a much-improved and accessible environment for everyone.
The vision of the new public reception and customer service centre is for a safe, welcoming and accessible space for visitors and Council staff.
The space would double up as a hub for community engagement, offering support for existing and new users, alongside a professional and effective welcome for visitors. The aim to provide a high-quality customer service experience that is efficient, effective and responsive to everyone’s needs.
A consultation has been open since June 26 for residents to have their say on the entire project. It remains open for feedback until Friday August 11 and can be found at www.reading.gov.uk/NewCivicLibrary.
Find out more and follow progress on the Library, Civic Reception and Hexagon Studio Theatre project at: www.reading.gov.uk/leisure/revitalising-the-hexagon-and-central-library
If residents have any queries or comments on the pre-planning public exhibition, they can also email LibraryCivicProject@reading.gov.uk