Library to relocate as refurbishment work begins

The library will temporarily relocate to Moorlands House while work is carried out on the Nicholson Institute

A library is being moved temporarily while building work takes place to improve facilities.

Leek Library will move to the adjoining Moorlands House while work is undertaken on the town's Nicholson Institute.

The library, managed by Staffordshire County Council, will close at 16:00 BST on 13 September and reopen in the reception area at Moorlands House on 29 September.

Opening hours will remain the same, and the refurbishment is due to be completed by April 2026.

The relocation follows the temporary closure of the museum and art gallery housed in the building.

Work is set to begin to restore the institute's lower ground floor for public use for the first time in many years, while the library and museum will also be refreshed.

Local artist Robert Timmins will also be carrying out conservation work to restore murals on the north and south walls of the building.

"It's exciting to see the main work starting on this project to breathe new life into the Nicholson Institute - the final part of the multi-million-pound regeneration of Leek town centre," councillor Matt Swindlehurst said.

Hayley Coles, Staffordshire County Council cabinet member for communities and culture, said there was "a real sense of excitement" about the project.

"Once complete, I'm confident the community will be proud of the results," she added.

The work follows the renovation of Leek's indoor markets, which reopened last year, as well as the redevelopment of the town's leisure centre at Brough Park, which is set to open next year.