Dorchester's Charles Street library opens

The building is the first library to open in Dorset in more than a decade

A new library and adult learning centre in Dorchester is to open its doors to the public for the first time.

The building, on South Walks, is the first new library in Dorset for more than a decade and is part of a £60m regeneration project.

West Dorset District Council's new £9.7m offices have already opened nearby on Charles Street.

Dorset County Council said the space inside the three-level facility was double that of the old library.

Community services councillor Peter Finney said: "The investment has delivered a fantastic, spacious, welcoming and user-friendly library.

"We want this library and learning centre to be a community hub, somewhere locals and visitors alike can make use of."

The building has three classrooms, an IT suite and a family learning room, all dedicated to adult learning and, when not in use, the classrooms will be available for use as meeting rooms by local community organisations.

An official opening is due to take place later this year.