Bromley Central Library. Pic © Ellis Williams Architects
loneliness strategy, which involves us working with local partners to help com- bat loneliness wherever it is found across the borough. Our libraries play a key role in this strategy, acting as hubs for relevant activities, where information and support can be shared.”
Bromley’s Library Works Programme is regenerating 11 of the borough’s 14 librar- ies, with an overall budget of £11.06m. The final two of those 11, Orpington and Mottingham, will be completed and re- opened before the end of this year. However, that is not the full picture as two additional regeneration programmes are also being used to transform two of the remaining libraries. Work on West Wickham library has already been com- pleted, including a major extension and redesign. The final piece of the refurbish- ment jigsaw will see Bromley town library move to a completely new site in the town centre’s popular shopping centre, giving it a huge new presence on the high street. That work has been made possible through the sale of its former home, which was shared with Bromley’s Churchill The- atre. The deal ensures both a new library and a sustainable future for the theatre. Councillor Bear adds: “It is an exciting time for Bromley town centre, where not only are we providing a new home on our high street for one of the busiest librar- ies in London, we have also secured the long-term future of the adjacent Churchill Theatre. This is a huge boost to our town centre, providing reassurance for further investment that this will remain a central location where residents will spend their leisure time for generations to come.” Regeneration funded by disposal of
Winter 2025
under-used buildings has been key to delivery. Not only does it unlock new opportunities, but it also delivers long- term sustainability and improved services. Councillor Bear says: “We have priori- tised investment in our libraries while we release other council properties that are excess to our need. This approach minimises future maintenance costs for our libraries, while securing these sites for years to come, to be used to deliver a range of services for residents and provide the support that so many rely on. “When refurbishing our libraries, we also look at whether there is opportunity to bring related services under the same roof. For instance, in St Paul’s Cray, the popular Community Support Centre was
co-located in the refurbished library, which has proved so successful that this year the site was shortlisted for a Library of the Year award.
“The new Bromley Central Library will also deliver a host of improvements including a larger children’s library, accessible and Changing Places toilets and an attractive modern study areas for residents to enjoy.”
As well as holding the Portfolio covering regeneration and libraries, Councillor Bear also has responsibility for the local economy. It is perhaps no coincidence then that she views libraries as corner- stones in the long-term success of high streets.
The political will to invest in libraries
Bromley Central Library interior. Pic © Ellis Williams Architects INFORMATION PROFESSIONAL 29
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