Plans to bring a disused library back into use for the community are taking a step forward.
Bolton Council is looking for local firms to bid for the first phase of works as part of a £600,000 refurbishment of the former Great Lever Library in Bradford Road.
The project will see the former Carnegie building transformed into a community centre and will require essential roof repairs, new windows and doors, and additional security features.
It is intended that the centre will be run in partnership with Great Lever Connected, a coalition of local voluntary groups that currently operate from a premises in Calvert Road.
The building will provide the group with a larger venue and the opportunity to extend the type of services they offer to include health and wellbeing groups, in addition to a job club, craft classes and activities.
Firms can bid for the tender next week w/c March 26 via The Chest.
Once appointed, it is hoped work will start on site by June.
A second phase of works will be focussed on internal renovations and the council will work with Great Lever Connected to establish the layout subject to the community groups’ requirements.
The Leader of Bolton Council, Cllr Linda Thomas, said: “I’m really pleased to see this project moving forward and local residents should expect to see some activity on the site in the next few months.
“We really hope to employ a local firm to lead the refurbishment and make this a truly community-based project in Great Lever.”