Redevelopment edges closer

PREPARATIONS are currently under way for the eagerly awaited redevelopment of Tynemouth Library, four years after it closed.

Tynemouth Library, on Front Street, closed its doors in 2020 after the building was deemed no longer fit for purpose after almost 70 years of serving the public.

According to North Tyneside Council, a local developer successfully bid to take on the development in January.

A substation to the rear of the library needs to be moved and replaced with a modern version before construction work can start.

Northern Powergrid has now begun site investigations. The redevelopment will see the demolition of the existing building and see it replaced with a Newcastle Building Society community partnership branch, a new library, a community space and six new apartments.

Elected Mayor Dame Norma Redfearn DBE said: “We know that people in Tynemouth have been waiting eagerly for this scheme. Having a local developer on board and beginning the process of moving the substation is great news.

The mayor continued: “Tynemouth library has been an important asset for seven decades but the building was showing its age. The new library will be bigger, brighter, more modern and more accessible.”

The council’s partnership with Newcastle Building Society allows the ground floor facilities to open during usual business hours as opposed to two days a week.

Michael Cornville, chief customer officer at Newcastle Building Society added: “We understand the impact of bank closures on our communities and unfortunately North Tyneside has seen several banks leave the past few years.

“So, as well as investing in our digital offering, we’re taking an innovative approach with community partnership branches.

“In Tynemouth that means working with the council to meet the needs of the local community as part of the inclusive redevelopment of the library.”