Ealing library relocation to smaller building confirmed to make way for new town centre shop

Ealing Library will be relocated to a smaller building to make way for a new retailer, the council has said.

The local authority has claimed residents will benefit from a range of better services as part of the major relocation project, if planning permission is granted.

By May next year, the town's library could be moved to a new space within Ealing Broadway Shopping Centre, close to the current building.

The new building will be a third of the size of the current library, the council said.

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The relocation of Ealing Central Library, which if approved would start over the coming months, was announced by Ealing Council at a cabinet meeting on Tuesday September 12.

British Land, the owner of the shopping centre, is to fund the relocation, meaning the local authority will not be billed for the move.

The old library is set to be filled by a new "high-quality retailer", which has yet to be confirmed.

The council said when completed, the new library will offer greater access to digital and self-service facilities, accommodate roughly 35,000 books and provide a range of study areas.

It will be designed to enable the space to be used in a variety of ways, including for events, activities and adult learning classes.

The current library is to close for refurbishment in late Autumn.

'Great news for local residents'

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Councillor Ranjit Dheer, the council’s deputy leader for safety, culture and community services said the library will be a great asset for the community.

“The relocation of Ealing Central Library is great news for local residents and the regeneration of the area,” he said.

“Local people will benefit from a brand-new, fully fitted modern library in Ealing town centre at no cost to council taxpayers.

"It also allows new retail opportunities as a result of the space vacated by the old site," he added.

“We are committed to delivering first-class library facilities for residents of all ages.

"When complete, Ealing Central will offer a wealth of online resources, books and study space and as it will be relocated within the shopping centre, which has good access to local public transport.”

British Land is to provide temporary study and learning space in the shopping centre between April and June 2018, with further spaces across the borough’s libraries being added during this period to support local students.

Users will still be able to access the 24/7 online resources, order books online, as well as ordering and collecting books from other library locations.

The closest libraries are Acton, West Ealing and Northfields.