PEACEHAVEN library is to remain in its current location following the recent sale of the Meridian Shopping Centre to Morrisons.

In response to the previous plans to redevelop the site by the Co-op, and to ensure services could continue uninterrupted, East Sussex County Council’s library service identified the Joff Centre as a temporary alternative location.

But plans to relocate have now been put on hold, and the library will remain in the Meridian Centre following confirmation that the current site will remain operational until early 2024.  The county council has also received assurances from Morrisons that the current centre will be appropriately managed and maintained over the next two years.

Cllr Claire Dowling, the county council’s lead member, said: “Given the very short notice period on our lease and limited options for a temporary library in the town, it was important that we acted quickly to ensure the continuation of high-quality library provision in Peacehaven.

“Officers worked extremely hard to find a suitable alternative temporary home for the library and obtained planning permission to allow a change of use of the Joff Centre.

“With new proposals currently being developed, officers have had positive initial discussions with Morrisons about the inclusion of a new permanent site for the library in their proposals that would be leased to ESCC.

“We are looking forward to continuing to work with the new owner of the site as they develop their plans and seek planning permission for redevelopment of the Meridian Centre, and we will be seeking to ensure that these include a library.”

Ends.