Westminster City Council is planning to locate a new permanent library at Seymour Leisure Centre in Marylebone.
The proposed library will replace the temporary library, currently located on Beaumont Street following the closure of Marylebone Library at the Old Marylebone Town Hall.
The proposals aim to create a modern library with a variety of services for local people. These may include a children’s library offering regular family activities, space for studying and computers as well as information and books.
Feasibility studies followed by a full consultation with leisure centre and library users, local residents, businesses, schools and other interested parties will take place ahead of any future development.
First proposals focus on locating the library in areas of the leisure centre that are currently under-utilised or are not used for sport and leisure activities including the courtyard and back of house areas.
Any work that takes place will be sympathetic to preserving the 1930’s Grade II listed building. Minimal external changes are likely to take place and internal alterations are not expected to affect any features of special interest.
Seymour Leisure Centre will also undergo a £2.5 million refurbishment to improve the multi-use studios, gym, fitness suite, spinning studio, spa and changing facilities by the summer. A new hot yoga facility will be built, as well as a new reception for the fitness facilities. These works will form part of a £9 million investment in leisure centres across Westminster through the council’s contract with Everyone Active.
Cllr David Harvey, Cabinet Member for Environment, Sports and Community, commented: “We are committed to providing a new permanent library in Marylebone and offering a library and leisure centre in the same location will help more people than ever before to benefit from excellent community services. The proposals will help to create a real hub for local people, close to the original location of the library on Marylebone Road. I look forward to starting discussions with residents and businesses in the area for their views.”