Former Grade II-listed library to be renamed

Canning Town Old Library was built in the 19th Century and closed in 2017

Newham residents are being asked by the council to help name a former Grade II-listed library.

Canning Town Old Library on Barking Road is being refurbished and is set to reopen as a heritage centre with a café in 2026.

It was built towards the end of the 19th Century and closed in 2017, when library services moved to a new location in Rathbone Market.

The Victorian building then lay vacant until October 2023 when the council's local development committee approved planning permission, which will see it renovated while keeping its original features.

'Centre stage'

The building is being refurbished with money from a levelling-up bid, with the council securing £6.2m of funding in October 2021.

The National Lottery Heritage Fund will help create a range of activities at the centre including volunteering opportunities, creative projects for young people and educational programmes.

It will house a new archive, reading rooms, a digital media suite, a teaching and learning space and a new workspace.

Councillor Rohit K Dasgupta, deputy cabinet member for equalities, social justice and culture said: "The Old Library has always been a cherished and important building in Newham, but now its future as a heritage centre will cement Newham's ambition to put culture, heritage and the arts at centre stage.

"We want residents to really engage with us to help shape this fabulous new resource, including helping us find its new name."