Multi-million pound transformation for Surrey libraries

A multi-million investment into Surrey’s libraries has been approved by Surrey County Council’s Cabinet to modernise services and create flexible, innovative and inclusive spaces that best meets the needs of our residents. This will revolutionise our libraries offer and make them fit for the future.

The first phase of this work will focus on key libraries including Epsom, Redhill, Staines, Woking and Weybridge with completion expected by the end of 2024.

The work is part of our library strategy focused on ensuring that Surrey libraries deliver a service that is fit for the future and accessible to all. The plans include significant changes at each location, including the creation of community ‘Hubs’ in Staines and Weybridge.

For Epsom, Woking and Redhill this means the creation of flagship facilities that will include:

• Flexible meeting rooms with kitchenette 
• Moveable partitions/walls to create agile workspaces
• Meeting pods
• New furniture  
• A fully flexible layout throughout with space for events and performances, exhibitions, partner organisations and community use 

Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) funding of £500k has been secured for Redhill Library from Reigate and Banstead Borough Council.

For Staines, this will include:

• Creation of a state-of-the-art flagship modern Library and Cultural Centre
• Relocation to the former Decathlon store located in the Elmsleigh shopping centre
• The new hub will include Citizens Advice, Voluntary Action, Spelthorne Museum and other lettable space
• Integration of Spelthorne Museum into the layout of the library will create an enhanced resident experience
• External branding to windows and brickwork and landscaping to outside area

For Weybridge, this will include:

• Extending the ground floor library space
• Improving the current spaces and facilities to better serve the building’s current occupiers such as Brooklands Radio and create a space for other partner organisation to deliver additional essential services
• External upgrade to improve the look of the building
• The refurbishment will also reduce energy use and carbon emissions, contributing to the Council’s net zero ambitions
• A fully flexible layout throughout with space for events and performances, exhibitions, partner organisations and community use

Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Communities and Community Safety Denise Turner-Stewart said: “It’s fantastic to be able to invest in our libraries and create cultural and community hubs so they are better placed to serve Surrey’s residents. The improvements will provide the opportunity to redesign and refurbish some of our key libraries, providing updated, attractive and inviting places where people can read, socialise, study and relax. This work is all about making sure Surrey’s libraries are all vibrant hubs, providing warm, friendly spaces where everyone is welcome.”

Becky Whale, Chief Executive Citizens Advice Runnymede and Spelthorne said: “Citizens Advice is very excited to have the opportunity to move into this great new community facility. With more and more demand on our service as a result of the cost-of-living crisis, operating from Staines library will bring us closer to our partners and locate our work in the heart of the community.”

The development of the libraries follows on from the approval of the 2019 Library and Cultural Services Strategy and is closely aligned with the Surrey 2030 Community Vision and the Hubs programme, which looks to deliver services in a joined-up way allowing residents to access multiple services in one location and support the council’s ultimate ambition – that no one is left behind. To find out more about libraries in Surrey visit the Surrey Libraries web pages: https://www.surreycc.gov.uk/libraries