Issues at new library 'to be fixed in three weeks'

The new building had been scheduled to open this summer

"Snagging" issues preventing the opening of a new Nottingham library are set to be fixed in the next three weeks, a senior councillor has said.

The new Sherwood Library has experienced issues including a leak, cracked windows and faulty fire access hatches.

A protest was staged outside the library building on 19 August, where families expressed their frustration and anger at the situation, said the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS).

Councillor Sam Lux, Nottingham City Council's executive member for carbon reduction, leisure and culture, provided an update on the "much-delayed" project on Monday.

In 2017 the old library in Spondon Street, described by the council as one of the most popular in the city at the time, was deemed not fit for purpose.

By 2020 a plan was drawn up to demolish it and rebuild the library with added commercial space and housing.

Fit out works will commence once the building is handed over

A new facility has since been built alongside commercial space, which is currently used by Sainbury's and housing.

However, the LDRS said problems became apparent when its previous contractor collapsed into administration.

While a new contractor was found and the library building was handed back to the council at the end of 2023 for the final fit-out, a planned summer opening has been hampered by the discovery of more than 134 defects.

Speaking at a full council meeting, Ms Lux said she was "very frustrated" by the delay.

"On a more positive note, the developer is now engaging and working with us to resolve the issues," she added.

"A programme of works has now been agreed and there is ongoing correspondence checking in on progress to reduce the list of snags considerably.

"We hope these final works will be completed in the next three weeks and the final stage of the fit-out works can then take place."