Work has started on a new library development in Staple Hill.

The £2.1m development is a joint initiative between South Gloucestershire Council and Sovereign Housing Association.

As well as building a new library in Broad Street, Sovereign will erect 14 new affordable homes on the site and the project is due for completion by March 2009.

The new library will be a significant improvement on the existing one, including more space for library books, greater access to computers, and a facility that can be used for events and community group meetings.

Heather Goddard , executive councillor for communities, said: “This is great news for the Staple Hill community. For a number of years the Council has been seeking to replace the existing library building with a more suitable one and we are very pleased to be working with Sovereign Housing Association on this project.”

James Gibson, assistant development director for Sovereign Housing, said: “This project is an excellent example of public organisations working together, and will provide efficient use of the land for both a library and much needed affordable housing.”

As the existing library was too small to continue to serve the needs of the local community, the Council and Sovereign began working together on the project, which would provide a new library and affordable housing for the Staple Hill area.

Published 4 July 2008
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