Stocksbridge 519 library plan approved

The new library building will form part of a wider redevelopment project in the town

Plans to build a new library and community space in Stocksbridge as part of a £24.1m project have been approved.

The three-storey building will replace the town's existing library and community shop.

Called Stocksbridge 519, it will also include classrooms, a cafe and 10,000 sq ft (929 sq m) of office space.

The development, which is being funded with money from the government's Town Deals programme, was approved by Sheffield City Council on Wednesday.

Speaking earlier this year, Ian Sanderson, who is leading the scheme for the new building, said: "We want to create something that will be a real game changer for Stocksbridge, and we believe we have the design and concept for the building which clearly shows the ambition that we all have for the town."

The existing library and community shop will be demolished to make way for the development

The wider improvement project includes a new town square, and car parking as well as new shopfronts paving for the precinct area.

Further planning applications are set to be submitted later this year.

Matt Bowker from CODA Architecture said he hoped people would "love and cherish" the building for many years to come

"We have always wanted to create something that the people of Stocksbridge can be proud of and our design, in tandem with the other works scheduled for the town centre over the coming months, will achieve just that," he said.