Skip to main content

Northwich Library

What happens next?

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.

The plans for the building can be viewed in our Northwich Library Renovation Plans document (PDF, 15MB), and a fly through video can be viewed below.