THE leader of Redditch Borough Council said relocating the library is a ‘key step’ to breathe new life into the town centre.

Yesterday, (Thursday, July 20) Worcestershire County Council approved plans to relocate Redditch Library into the Town Hall which is set to become a Community Hub.

It is part of the £15.6m plan to regenerate Redditch Town Centre which was secured by Redditch Borough Council as part of its Town Deal with the government.

The plan also includes town centre public realm improvements and a new digital manufacturing and innovation centre.

Back in October 2022, the county council's cabinet agreed that before the relocation was considered, a wide range of requirements would need to be fulfilled.

This was to ensure that the county council were able to continue to provide a comprehensive and efficient library service and not be financially worse off in any way because of the relocation.

Once the library is relocated the existing site is set to be converted into a town square plaza.

Cllr Matt Dormer, leader of Redditch Borough Council, welcomed the decision by the county council’s cabinet.

He said: "Not just towards Redditch Library joining the expanding community hub, where it can take pride of place, but also to unlock the potential to breathe new life into the town centre which it needs and deserves.

“By working together like this we can provide even better services more sustainably to people in Redditch and the community and put this unprecedented Town Deal investment we have secured for Redditch to work.”

The library will occupy the Community Hub’s East wing, facing the NHS services that are nearing completion in the opposite West wing.

Subject to contract Citizens Advice and Cranstoun would also be in the building alongside Redditch Borough Council, and more services could yet follow.

Councillor Marcus Hart, cabinet member for communities at Worcestershire County Council said: “I would like to assure all those who have taken the time to share their views about the relocation of the library that we have been in listening mode throughout the consultation period.

“Thanks to the thorough feedback we have received, we have been able to work with partners on the relocation plans to address most of the concerns that have been raised with us.

“These plans include some improvements to the current offer such as a dedicated blue badge space for the proposed new location.

“There will be no imminent changes to the library service offered to customers in Redditch.”