Bodmin's historic library reopens after £760k makeover

IntoBodmin team celebrate with a local craft group

A community interest company (CIC) has reopened an historic Bodmin Building.

The Old Library has been closed for six months whilst a £760,000 renovation took place.

IntoBodmin said it transformed the structure into a community and arts space that includes a cafe, co-working and events spaces and room hire for groups and local businesses.

The CIC said the grand re-opening will be a "housewarming event" on 23 February.

IntoBodmin said it secured the funding in 2023 through various grants from benefactors such as Cornwall Council, Arts Council England, Architectural Heritage Fund, Community Ownership Fund, and the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

'Ask questions'

Director of IntoBodmin, Fin Irwin said: "We want people to come and celebrate with us, ask questions, have a tour of the improved building, find out about us."

The grants acquired total £760,757 with some £175,000 being used to purchase the property itself, and the remaining £585,000 going towards refurbishment, according to the CIC.

Renovation work began in July to restore the condition of the building on Lower Bore Street.

£250,000 was sourced through Arts Council England, £150,000 through the Architectural Heritage Fund, £180,000 through the Good Growth Fund, £120,757 from the Community Ownership Fund and £60,000 via the Cornwall Devolution Deal.

Part of the investment included a set of solar panels which were installed by Clean Earth.

They were donated to IntoBodmin in memory of Terence Beer, a resident of Bodmin, which honoured his wish to support investment in the town.