Ambitious plans for the combined 'leisure hub' in Isleworth are set to proceed to the next stage with the apparent backing of a large section of the local community.
The final public meeting with representatives from town hall leisure firms John Laing and Fusion Lifestyle, took place last Tuesday evening.
The new 'hub', which will be based at the Isleworth Recreation Centre in Twickenham Road and will include a library, sports centre and pool together, goes to planning later this month.
Francis Stanbury, John Laing's head of libraries, told the meeting at Isleworth Public Hall: "I'm really excited by the potential this offers. Usage of libraries is going down, we want to bring it back up and get everyone enjoying libraries again."
She said the main attraction would be a new cafe which will allow residents to stay longer and do work, while parents will be able to leave their children in the drop-in creche.
"The third key thing for me, is joining up with the leisure centre, bringing in a huge range of uses, so when people come to this complex they can do several things," said Ms Stanbury.
"We would also like to extend opening hours."
Jon Hardy, Community Group ward councillor for Syon, expressed concerns that the new cafe may have a negative impact on surrounding businesses.
However, council officials insisted they will conduct an impact analysis to make sure they do not add to the difficulties local traders are already experiencing.
Meanwhile, Linton Close resident Christine Diwell raised concerns that the busy reception hall, which will include the cafe and computer area and lead through to the park, will be a noise nuisance for library users.
"I can't really see the point in joining the buildings together," said Ms Diwell, also secretary of the Isleworth Society.
"I don't think that library users are quite the same animals as park and pool users. We don't want the yobbos coming into the library and trashing it."
However the majority of locals who came down to look at the final plans seemed to be very pleased with the proposals.
Syon Lane resident Basil Mann, chairman of the Osterley & Wyke Green Residents' Association, said: "I think the people complaining are being very pedantic, I think it's an excellent scheme.
"I use the swimming pool very regularly and am very excited about it. The sooner they can get on with it the better.
The scheme will go before planners next month and it is anticipated work will start in September and the project completed in May 2010.
