The demolition and redevelopment of Wath Library and town centre is currently three weeks in and comes as part of a £9.9m scheme to deliver improved public spaces and opportunities for residents in Rotherham.
Rotherham Council’s Service Director for Culture, Sport and Tourism, Polly Hamilton, said: “The Council is proud to be building new libraries in Wath and Rotherham town centre”.
She said that the council understand that libraries act as important community hubs and bring value to the people living in the area, as they offer a welcoming place to learn and connect.
Hamilton said: “The new building in Wath will be a vibrant, modern hub. With its well‑equipped, comfortable spaces designed for events, cultural activities and community gatherings.”
Cllr Lynda Marshall, Cabinet Member for Street Scene and Green Spaces, said: “It’s an investment in Wath’s future and part of our wider commitment to create thriving, safe and clean places across our borough”.
Demolition of the old library is due over the coming weeks, while the temporary library remains open for the public to use at 4 Sandygate.
This makeshift library will continue to provide the “full range of library services, including meeting spaces, public computers, WiFi, children’s activities and Makerspace sessions.”
Marshall said: “Supporting the whole borough is a key priority for the Council, and this project is a positive step towards creating facilities the whole community can be proud of.”
To accommodate the demolition work which will be ongoing, part of the Biscay Way car park, behind the library, will be temporarily closed.
Wath town centre on-street parking has been extended by the council from one hour to four hours along Sandygate, to allow the community to visit the temporary library while the normal car park is closed.
Three new disabled parking bays will also be created to allow continued accessibility for any blue badge holders in this area.
The closure of the car park is vital in ensuring the safety of the community, as specialist equipment is to be used during the demolition.
According to Rotherham borough council, the demolition of the library is expected to be finished by July 2026, at which point the car park will be fully reopened.
For more details about the proposed plan visit the Rotherham MBC website.