Funding approved for flagship library

Nearly £1.4 million of funding has today been approved for Plymouth’s new flagship central library.

Funding confirms the move of the central library from North Hill to Taylor Maxwell House on Mayflower Street. 

A currently rundown building, Taylor Maxwell House will be renovated to take in the library on the ground floors and basement and Plymouth City Council’s contact center staff will occupy the upper floors. 

Deputy Leader Councilor Pete Smith said: “This is also a fantastic location for the new library, we have already committed to the new coach hub and by renovating the Taylor Maxwell House building we are demonstrating our commitment to rejuvenating that area of town. Both projects will add considerably to the footfall in that area.

"We know that people are using libraries differently, we are seeing more virtual visits, libraries being used as meeting spaces and as a place to access services on line, this move will allow us to respond to that change. Perhaps people could drop into the library whilst doing their shopping, or as a location to meet friends.”

Over the next few months the public will be asked to co design the layout on the library space and will be encouraged to give their views on what facilities they would like to see inside.

The Council’s ambition is to create a modern, flexible and welcoming library that will attract more users, be easier for more users to get to and will be fully accessible for people with disabilities.

The Council hopes that by remodeling the new central library offer, it will make the service more in tune with what users really want. 

Some of the central library’s back office functions will also be relocated, the details of which are still being finalized.