New library on Northcote Road nears completion

Battersea residents can soon begin to enjoy a new state-of-the-art library on Northcote Road as construction work comes to an end.

The finishing touches are being added to what has been a landmark local project, the benefits of which will be reaped by the community for many years to come.

Opposite the existing 1960s-era Northcote Library, its modern replacement arranged across three storeys will comprise of a dedicated children's area, self-serve kiosks for book loans, study space, new computer and digital learning zones, an events span and restroom facilities.

Its 848 square metres of usable floor space makes the new Northcote Library notably larger than its predecessor, where 728 sqm often proved an insufficient size for visitor numbers.

A reading area for children will open in the new Northcote Library soon (Credit: Wandsworth Council)

Solar panels incorporated into the new library will also boost its eco-credentials, reducing its carbon footnoting and lowering its running costs.

Alongside the new Northcote Library a new community centre will open for use by local groups and a nursery. 

This modernised equivalent to replace the previous community building built in the 1950s, Chatham Hall, will have its own outdoor courtyard space for educational, leisure and recreational use, as well as brand new kitchen and toilet facilities. Its doors will open hot on the heels of Northcote Library's.

Judi Gasser, Wandsworth's Cabinet Member for Environment, said: "We are now just a short time away from cutting the ribbon to open this fantastic new library and soon afterwards its neighbouring new community centre. When they open they will offer fantastic community resources for people of all ages living in this part of Battersea.

"There will be a bigger and better fully modernised library with a larger children's section, alongside a new and improved community centre, able to offer much better accommodation to local groups. 

"These brand new buildings also incorporate the latest carbon reduction technology, so will be much more sustainable than the old library and much more energy efficient. It is actions like this that will help us reach our ambitious climate change targets.

"And at a time when many councils in London and elsewhere are closing libraries to save money we are expanding and improving our provision.

'We are also now working on a new strategy for our libraries, to ensure that they are fully accessible to all our residents and offer the services people want. We will be consulting with residents later this year.

"This is a council delivering better services for all for the same low council tax."