A £3.3 million revamp of the 38-year-old Carlisle Library is moving forward, said Cumberland Council.
While the authority is not ready to appoint a contractor or reveal the project’s timeline, it said its plans were ‘coming together’ for the facility, on the first floor of the Lanes Shopping Centre.
This ambitious project will create a state-of-the-art learning and community library hub, complete with integrated digital learning facilities, it said, and is funded as part of the Government’s £19.7 million Carlisle Town Deal programme.
The project will involve a complete redesign of the existing space, including structural work, rewiring, and infrastructure updates to accommodate new technology and modern facilities.
The new learning and community library hub will feature:
- Children’s zone
- Social space
- Adult learning classrooms
- Study spaces
- The Jackson Collection
The library opened in April 1986, following construction by John Laing Construction, Northern Division, which began in 1982.
Cumberland Council said: “Designs for the updated library are coming together and will be finalised soon, marking a key milestone in the project’s progress.
“Following this, a contractor will be appointed to carry out the refurbishment works and bring the vision to life. Cumberland Council will share further updates, including the contractor announcement and project timeline, in the coming months.”
Adult Learning services have already been relocated to the Civic Centre in Carlisle to ensure uninterrupted support for learners.
