Clapham opens state-of-the-art library

A new state-of-the-art library has been opened in Clapham.

Some £6.5 million has been invested in the project, with the money raised through the sale of 136 residential flats in the borough. Families looking for property to rent in Clapham may be buoyed by this development, which comes at a time when a lot of councils are cutting back on their library services. 

It is located on Clapham High Street, is going to be open seven days a week and will house some 20,000 books. As well as this, 34 computers will be available for members of the public to use, while there is also going to be free Wi-Fi.

The centrepiece of the structure is a spiral staircase inspired by the Guggenheim Museum in New York, while it comes with a glass front.

Councillor Steve Reed, leader of Lambeth Council, said: "While other councils are closing libraries, Lambeth has been able to open a brand new one in the heart of Clapham that will act as the centre of the community and vital learning space for local residents.

"The fact we've been able to do this at no cost to the tax payer and through a period of recession makes this an even greater success story."

Mr Reed observed the new building is everything a library should be. It comes with plenty of space for people to read quietly and enjoy themselves, while also boosting all of the latest technology.

It comes after the announcement of the Myatts Field North regeneration project, which will see 808 new homes constructed. Such is the quality of the development that it has been nominated at the Housing Design Awards.

Councillor Lib Peck, cabinet member for regeneration and strategic housing, noted residents can look forward to living in an area that will be completely transformed by the £150 million project.

She paid tribute to individuals who live close to the location for all of the guidance and opinions they have offered on how the development should proceed.

Posted by Chris Price

Published 6th July, 2012

© 2012 Estates IT Limited