First new roof slates now in place at leaky library

The damaged slate has been removed and is being replaced with Collyweston slate

The replacement of a leaky library roof has taken a step forward with the installation of the first new slates.

Kettering Library and Art Gallery in Northamptonshire was damaged during heavy rain in 2023.

A huge tent was erected over the Grade II listed building this summer so roof repairs, which will use Collyweston slate from the county, could take place.

North Northamptonshire Council has earmarked almost £7m for the work. Greg Wilcox, a Reform UK councillor who is the executive member for communities, said the authority was "extremely pleased" by the progress.

The tent over the roof of the library in Kettering allows the repairs to take place

The council said since the summer the existing slate had been stripped off and the timber underneath had been found to be in "good condition".

It said specialists had also repaired the building's cupola - a rounded dome on the roof.

Messenger, the building contractor appointed to complete the repairs, will use a mixture of "new and reclaimed" Collyweston slates.

Martin Griffiths, the Reform UK council leader, said: "I was fortunate to visit the site last week to take a look at the progress and I saw the complexity and sheer scale of the work being carried out.

"I look forward to the work being completed and these beautiful buildings being restored to their former glory in the cultural quarter of Kettering."

Scaffolding is in place

Kettering Library opened in 1904 and expanded in 1913, when an art gallery complex was built on the side of the main building.

A modern extension has been added and the whole complex, including the Manor House Museum, is now known as Cornerstone.

The roof of the original building is made of Collyweston slate, a unique limestone which is much heavier than traditional slate and is quarried near the Northamptonshire village from which it takes its name.

The gallery and museum have been closed since the damage happened and the library has been relocated to the new wing.

It is hoped the work will be finished by August 2026.