Town to get £1million library

Newhaven has been waiting for a new building for almost 10 years.

Back then the original, spacious library was moved from the Convent Chapel in Church Hill to its current site '“ a former shop in the High Street '“ to make it more accessible.

Many people have since campaigned for a library more suited to a town of Newhaven's size.

At a cabinet meeting on Tuesday, East Sussex County Council agreed a 1.2million scheme for a new library to be built in Meeching Road.

The plan will now go to the full council on Tuesday, February 12, for final agreement.

Lewes-based developer Rees Elliott is on board to build the library should it be agreed.

Work is expected to start at the end of this year.

The library will be built on the site of the recently demolished Victorian villa Saxonholme.

The building used to house social services offices and the site is now owned by Rees-Elliott.

The joint project is expected to include housing, retail outlets and the library.

Newhaven county councillor Pat Ost said he was delighted by the news which had been a long time coming.

He said: 'It is clearly overdue. Newhaven has waited a long time for a decent central library that would meet the needs of the people here.'

Cllr Ost said he hoped the library could emulate the popular Lewes scheme. 'I just hope that any proposed building would be designed with the imagination, foresight and care for the user that has been displayed in Lewes Library '“ Newhaven deserves it.'

Cllr Bob Tidy, lead member for community services, said: 'I am delighted that our cabinet committee has made this recommendation.

'This proposed scheme would provide a massive boost to library development in the town, support our ongoing commitment to the regeneration of the area and help the literacy and learning needs of the local community.'