Northwich Library renovation
We are committed to refurbishing Northwich Library. We recognise its value as a service to the people of Northwich and the sense of pride the building itself brings to people who live in the town.
Please note: Northwich Library on Witton Street is currently closed for repairs and renovation.
While work takes place a temporary library service is currently available at Weaver Hall Museum and a self-serve facility at Memorial Court, Northwich.
Recognising the importance of the building and services it delivers, we identified £2 million for the renovation of Northwich Library in the 2019/20 budget setting process as a ‘Capital scheme under development’. There is currently no external funding contributing to this refurbishment.
In August 2022, the age and condition of the existing timber-framed building meant that the library needed to be closed to protect public safety and allow structural engineers to carry out stabilisation work and further structural investigations. The information gathered through the stabilisation works will determine the extent of the renovation required.
Since the building closed, surveys and investigations have been carried out as part of a phased approach to restore the building and make it fit for future generations of library users.
In November 2022, emergency stabilisation works were completed. This included carefully designed structural scaffolding to secure the west elevation.
From December 2022 onwards, extensive investigation works and technical surveys were initiated to enable the immediate repair strategy and inform the wider renovation project.
In March 2023, following stabilisation and investigations, immediate repair works to the west elevation started on site. Asbestos removal from floor voids and the West elevation to enable the safe progress of the repair work has now been completed. All appropriate air monitoring and statutory notifications have been observed to ensure the safety of the building and contractors. Work is ongoing to replace floor joists and floorboards and to repair the timber frame on the west elevation. As this is a complex listed building and the works identified are more complex than we initially thought, the west elevation repairs are now expected to be completed in Winter 2023/24.
In addition to stabilisation and repair works, it is intended to improve and develop the building to ensure it is robust and resilient for future generations.
A design team has been appointed to work on the renovation project and further essential structural works and internal improvements are currently being designed.
Due to the scale and complexity of the works required it is not currently possible to identify the full timescale of the project at this stage. We will be able to confirm the programme of works when the additional survey and design work is complete. It is currently anticipated that the library will not reopen to the public until 2025.
We will share further details of the work that will be undertaken here when they are available.
Northwich Library opened in its temporary location at Weaver Hall Museum on Monday 30 January 2023, while the library building on Witton Street is being renovated.
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.
Weaver Hall Museum is walkable from the existing library building in approximately 15 minutes, either through the town or along the River Dane through Chinkers Field. It also offers free parking.
If you want to travel by bus there are two nearby bus stops on London Road, served by the number 4 Northwich Circular. More bus information can be found on the Arriva website.
Visit the itravelsmart website and app to see Cycling routes in Northwich and other active travel information.
There is also a self-service library option at Brio Memorial Court where books can be returned and more can be selected from a bespoke range. Our 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:
November 2023: Replacement of some beams and floor joists following asbestos removal from the floor void. Stabilising scaffolding and west elevation repair in background.
November 2023: In progress repair of the timber frame on the west elevation.
December 2023: new timber frame and brick work on the west elevation, before the application of render.
December 2023: one of the new windows being prepared for the west elevation.
January 2024: new timber frame, brickwork and window frames on the first and second gable of the west elevation - before the application of render.
January 2024: new flooring in main room on west elevation.