Final stage of Northwich Library renovation set to get underway

The final stages of the renovation and refurbishment of Northwich Library will begin in June. The work is expected to be complete and the library building reopen in Spring 2027.

Cheshire West and Chester Council are delighted to confirm that following an extended procurement period to enable specialist contractors to fully explore this complex heritage building, H.H. Smith & Sons Co. Ltd have been appointed as the contractors for the final phase of repair and renovation, with the contract beginning from early June.

The Library has always played a key role in Northwich and it holds a special place for many people, the building is an iconic heritage asset for the town. The work that has taken place up to now to make this complex heritage building safe and enable this final stage of renovation has been a big undertaking. The Council are delighted to be moving onto the exciting work of refurbishing and creating a library and learning space, securing a much-loved community asset for generations to come. The construction work involves full internal and external renovation and refurbishment.

The aim is to create an accessible and welcoming Library and learning space. The renovated building will include the library, an accessible first floor hosting a Skills and Employment Hub and flexible activity and meeting spaces.

Following the initial critical stabilisation, subsequent structural works and removal of hazards, the building is now safe and ready for its final phase of repair and renovation. Designs showing the Council’s exciting plans for the building were shared at a public drop-in event last year. These designs prioritise its historical features and make it fit for the future, with the final full renovation work now able to begin.

The Council is committed to the future of Northwich Library and recognises its value as a vital hub for the community in Northwich and the sense of pride the building itself brings to people who live in the town. The Council’s capital funding has been supplemented by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport’s Libraries Improvement Fund which is administered by Arts Council England.

Residents can continue to use Northwich Library at its temporary location in Weaver Hall Museum while the final phase of works to the library building on Witton Street are underway.

The temporary library features a curated collection of the latest fiction and non-fiction titles for adults and children, internet access via public computers and free Wi-Fi, plus a range of events, activities and groups.

There is also a Library Express option at Brio Memorial Court where books can be returned and more can be selected from a bespoke range. Libraries at Barnton, Sandiway and Weaverham are open as usual, you can use any of our libraries to access activities, return/borrow items or use the ICT and other facilities.

Opening times and information about events and activities taking place at the library at Weaver Hall Museum can be found online:

For the latest updates on the renovation of Northwich Library, visit the Council website: