Preparation to revamp library gets under way
PREPERATIONS are under way for a redevelopment of Tynemouth Library, four years after it closed. The 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 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 parnership branch, a new library, a community space and six new apartments.
Elected mayor Dame Norma Redfearn said: “We know people in Tynemouth have been waiting eagerly for this.
“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 parternship with Newcastle Building Society allows the ground floor facilities to open during usual business hours as opposed to the previous 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.”
Conservative Tynemouth councillor Christopher Johnston said that while he was “thrilled” about the redevelopment, he also accused the Labour-run council of neglecting a heritage asset.
Coun Johnston said: “The decision to demolish and redevelop the site comes as a result of the negligence displayed by the Labour council and their apparent disregard for our heritage assets.
“Nevertheless, we are pleased to see both the developer and the building society demonstrating their commitment to revitalising this space.”
Labour councillor and North Tyneside Council cabinet member for the environment, leisure and libraries responded: “In North Tyneside, Labour continues to invest and support investment, opening a brand new library for Tynemouth with Newcastle Building Society to put a branch on Front Street.
“We’re also investing in leisure centres, libraries and outdoor spaces across the borough.
“At the same time as a result of Conservative Government cuts, councils all over the country are closing libraries and bank branches are disappearing from high streets.”