WORK has begun on an ‘innovative’ scheme which will see a new modern library and adult social care complex take shape in Seaford.

The new £6 million East Sussex County Council development at Warwick House, in Sutton Park Road, will include a new library and cafe, supported living flats for adults with learning disabilities and day care services for older people.

A ‘turf-cutting’ ceremony to mark the beginning of construction work was attended by guests including one of the library’s youngest users, three-month-old Joel, and one of its oldest, Desmond Grindall.

Also present were adult social care client Peter Cole, from the town’s Homefield Place day service, with his wife and carer Catherine Cole.

Councillor Tony Freebody, the council’s lead member for community services, said: “This is a momentous day for Seaford as it marks the beginning of a scheme which will bring massive benefits to the town.

“Libraries are at the heart of our communities and this building marks a significant advance in terms of the facilities and services on offer. It’s very exciting to see work begin and to witness this project take another step closer to fruition.”

The scheme will support the provision of day services for older people with dementia or other mental health problems who have been assessed as needing support to help them live independently.

Councillor Bill Bentley, lead member for adult social care, said: “This innovative building will be one of the first of its kind in the country and will make a huge difference to our clients and their families and carers.”

The project is part of a multi-million pound investment in libraries in East Sussex which will also see new facilities built in Hastings and Newhaven.

The Seaford complex is expected to open in Spring 2014. While work is carried out, library services continue to be offered from the temporary library at Elm Court, in Blatchington Road, Seaford, while the day service continues at Homefield Place until the building is completed and ready for use.