A brand new library building for Narberth is due to be handed over to Pembrokeshire County Council by local developers Andrew Rees and Charles Salmon of Narberth Old School Developments by early June, ready for fitting out.
The new library is due to open in early 2024 and will be located next to the old Narberth primary school site – now known as The Hwb.
It will continue to be run by the successful three-way partnership of Pembrokeshire’s Library Service, the Friends of Narberth Library and Narberth Town Council.
Developer Charles Salmon said they were pleased to be involved in the library development, adding that the building has been provided free of charge and on a peppercorn rent for the next 125 years.
Work to fit out the library will take place over the rest of the calendar year, with an anticipated completion early in 2024.
The work will be funded by a combined Welsh Government Capital Transformation Grant of £149,997 secured by the library service and £30k Section 106 funding.
“It’s great news that Welsh Government are once again investing in Narberth,” said Cllr Rhys Sinnett, Cabinet Member for Residents’ Services.
“The Capital Transformation grant will allow us to not only provide a modern, welcoming library but also introduce new technologies which will significantly extend the opening hours. I am delighted to see that the hard work of the partnership put together to bring this project to life is finally being recognised and rewarded with this funding.”
Chair of the Friends of Narberth Library, Cllr Marc Tierney, said: “The news that Narberth Library has been successful in receiving Welsh Government funding is a really positive step forward for the town. As a voluntary organisation, the Friends of Narberth Library has worked hard to support Pembrokeshire County Council in keeping the St James Street library open and part of the community over the last seven years.
“The new building just off the Towns Moor Car Park brings the library into the heart of the town, easily accessed by local buses and by car and in a location that for many is the start of their journey in discovering what Narberth has to offer.
“I’m looking forward to the Friends of Narberth Library exploring new opportunities to collaborate with others so that the library becomes a renewed focal point and a real community asset that confirms Narberth as a great place to live, work and visit in Pembrokeshire.”
Narberth Mayor, Cllr Elizabeth Rogers, said: “About time! It will be a huge benefit to the town and the surrounding area to have a new modern library on a car park which creates easy accessibility. This is something the town has campaigned for, for a long and hard time and it’s wonderful that it is now within our reach. The many hours that have been given by many behind the scenes is amazing but that is what Narberth does. I thank everyone involved.”
At the moment, Narberth Library is temporarily situated at the Lee Davies Day Centre due to essential building repairs taking place at its home in St James Street – but will hopefully re-open at St James Street in June.
