Exciting plans to create a new, modern library and community health facility for the community of Little Lever are a step closer to fruition.
The council has purchased the former Tesco supermarket site and is working with NHS Bolton CCG, the Foundation Trust and local GP practices to develop designs for the new facility. In December, the council gained planning consent for a change of use for the building.
The new facility will build on Bolton Libraries’ award-winning arts-based community engagement approach. It will also give the library and museum service scope to develop the computer facilities and organise more community-led events.
Once outline designs are finalised, the council and its partners will carry out consultation and ask local people for their ideas and what they would like to see in the building. By working closely with residents and local partners, the new facility and services it provides will be tailored to local needs.
The current Little Lever Library was opened in 1940 and is considered a valuable asset to the community, offering computer classes, a scrabble group and a venue for local history talks as well as providing traditional library services. However, at just over 1200 square feet in size it has been unable to grow with demand.
The future use of the current library building will be decided in due course but it is hoped to retain it for community use and the Little Lever war memorial will be retained and preserved.
Leader of the Council Cllr Cliff Morris said: “I am delighted that the council will soon deliver a new and improved library and health facility for the residents of Little Lever. The old library is very well used by both young and old, but it is much too small to accommodate the range of activities that a modern library service needs to offer. We hope creating a bigger, brighter shared facility will enable more people to use the library and help attract people who have never used the library before into the new building. We also hope that combining the premises with a health centre will create a fantastic new facility that will benefit the community of Little Lever for many years to come.”