Green light for new library in Newhaven

A new library for Newhaven has taken a step closer to fruition after the scheme was granted planning permission.

The £1.6 million East Sussex County Council development will see the library move from its existing base to a new, larger site in the former M&Co. premises at 36 High Street.

Lewes District Council has approved plans to change the use of the building and carry out improvements including a new roof, altered entrance arrangements, signage and lighting on the High Street facade and a new entrance and glazing on North Lane.

The county council is now working with builders Mansell Construction to complete its plans for the new library, with the ground floor refurbishment expected to be completed by the end of the year.

Cllr Chris Dowling, lead member for community services, said: “The new library is another part of the council’s programme to enhance and improve our libraries service.

“It will allow us to provide a better service to residents in a welcoming, modern environment right in the heart of Newhaven.

“We know from the feedback we’ve received from the public that this is an eagerly-awaited development which will help to regenerate this part of the town centre, and receiving planning permission is an important step forward.

“We’d like to reassure residents that plans are progressing fast behind the scenes and we’re very much looking forward to the new library opening its doors for the first time.”

The new library is one of the schemes being developed with a record £13 million investment in libraries by the county council which has also included a new library and social care development in Seaford and a new library and register office in Hastings.