Hillingdon Council’s ambitious plans to enhance the Uxbridge Library have been given the green light, promising a more accessible, sustainable, and efficient facility for residents. The council’s Planning Committee approved the proposal, allowing the library to relocate from its current High Street location to the Middlesex Suite within the Civic Centre, just 300 metres away.
This move is a significant win for the community, as it means work on the improved library can now commence. The new location will integrate the library with the museum and archives service, creating a centralised hub for local history and culture.
The initial proposals were refined following resident feedback to expand the library space, accommodating more bookshelves and additional dedicated areas. The revised plans now include using the space currently occupied by the council’s Register Office, effectively doubling the available bookshelves compared to the original design.
The Register Office will relocate to the floor below, freeing up space for the museum, local studies and archives service, a dedicated area for the popular Tovertafel (interactive tabletop projection) facility, and study spaces. Additionally, the plans feature areas for exhibitions and events, a learning centre, a dedicated children’s library, and a substantial book collection. The wider Civic Centre space will also be utilised for various activities.
This move, approved by the council’s Cabinet in February, comes after acknowledging the current building’s non-compliance with equalities or health and safety at work legislation. The existing library’s layout, spread across six floors without fire evacuation lifts, poses significant challenges for people with disabilities.
Uxbridge Library will remain the borough’s largest, now boasting hireable meeting room space and step-free access. All facilities will be conveniently located on one level inside the upgraded Civic Centre, which is undergoing modifications to reduce its carbon footprint.
Integrating the library into the Civic Centre brings it closer to other essential council services, such as the Uxbridge Family Hub and Uxbridge Adult Education Centre, ensuring a comprehensive range of key services under one roof.
Cllr Eddie Lavery, Hillingdon Council’s Cabinet Member for Residents’ Services said: “This proposal aligns with all elements of our Council Strategy, emphasising our commitment to residents to deliver first class services which enrich their lives, while remaining fiscally and environmentally astute by capitalising on resources and delivering the very best value for residents.
“These plans will deliver a first class library for residents that is modern, enhanced, safer, more accessible and will save taxpayers money in the long term.
“We have an enviable record of library investment over the past 17 years. While many local authorities have closed their facilities, we remain committed to retaining 16 sites across the borough and enhancing our library service as we continue to put residents first.”
