Library revamp creates new state-of-the-art hub for family services

Yesterday (Tuesday 27 March), a grand opening was held after the Chelmsford Library revamp for its state-of-the-art hub for family services, after an ambitious and exciting makeover of the children’s zone.

Chelmsford City Council’s Chief Executive, Nick Eveleigh, gave a short presentation before cutting the ribbon alongside Vicky Ford MP and Darren Henley, Chief Executive of Arts Council England, to officially open the new facility following the Library revamp.

The revamp was made possible thanks to £171,000 from Chelmsford City Council’s Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL), plus a further £145,586 grant from Arts Council England.

The project puts the library at the heart of family support services in the City, where library staff, healthcare professionals, family support workers and volunteers can now come together to create a one-stop shop for free family services.

Chelmsford City Council’s Cabinet Member for Planning and Economic Development, Councillor Neil Gulliver, said “We were delighted to be able to award Chelmsford Library funding to make their ambitious plans possible. The City Council allocates funds to a range of projects using money secured via developments that are taking place in the City.”

He added “Other projects receiving CIL funding include further public realm enhancements in the City Centre, enhancements to GP surgeries, funding towards the Mill Yard Gateway project and support towards the new Riverside Ice and Leisure Centre development. This funding is crucial to maintain our city’s growing reputation as a great place to live, work and visit.”

Essex County Council Cabinet Member responsible for libraries, Councillor Susan Barker, added: “We were delighted and very grateful to have received such a significant amount of funding from the Community Infrastructure Levy awarded by Chelmsford City Council and from the Libraries Opportunities for Everyone fund awarded by Arts Council England to make this ambitious work possible. This has allowed us to achieve our shared ambition of creating a state of the art space for children and their families to learn, grow and to be inspired.”

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