Work starts on Dewsbury Library’s new location
Our exciting plans to relocate Dewsbury Library Hub to a new home in the town centre have taken another step forward.
Refurbishment work has now started at the library’s new location, with contractors Walter West Limited appointed to carry out the renovation over a period of 12 weeks.
This development follows a period of public consultation and forms part of a wider vision to relocate the Library service from its current premises on Railway Street to the Walsh Building, next to Dewsbury Town Hall.
The works to refurbish the Walsh Building will see the building transformed with improved toilets, new flooring and décor, rewiring, roof repairs and the creation of a modern library setting for visitors to enjoy.
The current Library Hub will continue to offer integrated library and customer support with access to council services, digital and IT support, free Wi-Fi and events and activities including story times, rhyme times and Knit and Natter groups. The same popular offer will be available at the Walsh Building once open.
Councillor Amanda Pinnock, Cabinet Member for Communities and Environment said:
“This project is about much more than relocating a library, it’s about creating a welcoming, accessible space at the heart of Dewsbury that supports our wider regeneration ambitions for the town.
“The new Library Hub will be a vibrant community resource that’s fit for the future. It integrates library and customer support so that residents can access many services all in one place.”
A council-wide review of assets in 2023 identified the opportunity to refurbish and modernise the Walsh Building, creating a multi-use civic hub. Public consultation played a key role in shaping the proposals, with feedback from library users, community groups, staff, and local councillors.
The relocation also aligns with the Dewsbury Blueprint, a long-term regeneration plan for the town. Bringing the library into the heart of Dewsbury aims to increase town centre footfall and enhance the use of our civic spaces, supporting a vibrant mix of public services and events. Improvements currently being undertaken around the Walsh Building and Dewsbury Town Hall will make both the area and its public buildings much more accessible and welcoming to visitors.
Further updates on the project timeline will be shared as work progresses.