Construction works have begun to bring a new library to the local community in Haxby and Wigginton, with the arrival of diggers in recent weeks.
City of York Council, Explore Libraries and Haxby and Wigginton Youth and Community Association are working together to co-locate a new library at Oaken Grove Community Centre. The new facility will replace the old library in Haxby, which was closed in 2016 on the grounds of public safety.
The new library will be open 6 days a week and a new reading café, run by Explore, will provide the community and customers visiting the centre with a place to relax and enjoy refreshments inside and outside.
The new venue is expected to be open later this year.
Key features of the build include:
- a new extension to the side of the community centre which will house the new library and reading cafe at the front of the building, with the community rooms for hire to the rear
- a new central entrance with improved storage space for pushchairs and buggies leading into a central café and seating area for all to enjoy
- a children’s and adult library, with new shelving, nooks and crannies for children to explore, a separate area for teenagers
- PCs available for use by residents
- a new kitchen to support the new reading café offering barista style coffee options, snacks and able to offer hot meals for specific events or if demand requires
- an outdoor terrace area will provide space to read a book or enjoy the peaceful garden
- extended free public Wi-Fi
- improvements to the fabric and energy efficiency of the building with
- enhanced insulation
- LED lighting throughout
- new gutters and facia
- new aluminium double glazed windows to enhance the appearance and reduce future maintenance costs
- refurbished toilets to reflect the rest of the new build
- a new more efficient heating system for the building
- reconfiguration and refurbishment of the existing community rooms with new acoustic dividing walls to improve the flexibility of use, new floor coverings and decoration
- 2 newly marked disabled bays in the car park
- new covered cycle shelter
Cllr Darryl Smalley, the council’s executive member for culture, leisure and communities, said: “It’s exciting to see work start on a the new library at the Oaken Grove Community Centre, which will put a library back in the heart of the local community in Haxby and Wigginton.
“This initiative is an exciting collaboration, investing in a valued community building to benefit local residents and community groups. I was really pleased to see so many local residents have their say on the proposals last year, with 90 per cent of those who responded in support of the plans.
“I hope that the new facilities will be enjoyed by generations to come, supporting residents of all ages to make connections with their local community and develop a love of lifelong learning.”
Sarah Garbacz, chief operating officer for Explore, said: “It’s so exciting to be starting the work on a new library for the residents of Haxby and Wigginton.
“Thanks to the support and hard work of the Trustees of Haxby & Wigginton Youth and Community Association for partnering with us to enable us to bring this brilliant community facility to local residents. We can’t wait to open the doors and to get back to being that space that brings the community together.”
A spokesperson for Haxby & Wigginton Youth and Community Association, said: “After all the hard work with the City of York Council and Explore, in planning for this exciting new phase in the life of Oaken Grove Community Centre, Trustees, Staff and our Youth Team are excited that the building work is now under way.
“We’re all looking forward to offering the enhanced facilities to our young people and community groups, as well as to the future long term partnership with Explore.”
