Brent bids for cash to transform Harlesden Library
| Published: 20th April 2007 10:09 |
The council has applied to the Big Lottery Fund for the cash to refurbish the Craven Park Road venue as part of its ongoing programme of investment in the borough's libraries.
If the application is approved, the project would reate a cutting-edge library and learning centre with more space for classrooms and community events, that would attract hard to reach groups and help regenerate the local communiy.
The move comes on top of a £50,000 investment in new books for Willesden Green Library ? which are due to arrive in early May - and the recently announced scheme to modernise and relocate Kingsbury Library.
The current Harlesden Library was built over 100 years ago, is split across three floors and lacks space for community events and meetings.
The new building, to be known as Harlesden Library and Learning Centre, would be redesigned to be modern and exciting, with more space for classrooms, community events and activities, and a creche.
The aim is to attract many more users, including black British people, lifelong learners, newly-arrived immigrants and the unemployed. The stock of books would also be totally replenished.
Brent Council's Deputy Head of Libraries Neil Davies said: "This is a really exciting plan which, if we are granted the funding, will transform Harlesden library into a vibrant facility and a much more popular destination.
"Brent Council is committed to providing excellent libraries and we are investing in the service to achieve that."
The decision on the bid is expected to be announced this September. The new centre would open in September 2009.
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