Beccles Library reopens in former home after £500k refurbishment

Beccles Library underwent a major refurbishment project, including a new roof

A library has moved back into its former home following the completion of a £500,000 refurbishment project.

Beccles Library in Blyburgate, Suffolk, had been operating from a temporary location since 11 September to allow for building work to be completed.

The entire roof was replaced, together will external windows and doors in the main building.

Manager Sharon Chapman said she is delighted with the improvements and thanked customers for their patience.

Sharon Chapman said the new library is warmer and brighter

Beccles library has been in the town's old HSBC building while the refurbishment took place.

"Everybody is just over the moon that Suffolk County Council have invested as much as they have in the refurbishment of the building and we all feel that in doing so, they're given us the message that they are committed to keeping the library service up and running," said Ms Chapman.

"We now have a much warmer space and most importantly, we have got so much natural light. The building was freezing because there was no insulation and acoustically it's much better, too. We have newer electric lights which save energy and therefore cost."

Beccles Library reopened in their refurbished building on 8 December

Barclays Bank will also have a presence in the library, thanks to a newly-refurbished glass pod, after one of its branches closed in November.

"We'd like to thank all our customers for their patience during the work and look forward to seeing everyone back at Beccles Library," Ms Chapman added.

"The work was a vital part of maintaining the building which will ultimately benefit all our customers.

"We're grateful to Suffolk County Council, Concertus, Abacus Builders and Vertas for carrying out the work."