Council moves forward with £15m plan to move central library after asbestos discovery

By Joe Coughlan, Local Democracy Reporter

A council has moved forward with a £15million plan to move its central library after asbestos was found in its current building.

Bromley council opened up a consultation last week with residents to consult on plans to move Bromley Central Library to the former Topshop unit on Bromley High Street, which has reportedly been empty since 2020.

The new site is located across the street from the library’s current home in a shared building with the Churchill Theatre. Plans for the move were revealed in October last year with council officers claiming a full strip out of the library’s current building would be required after asbestos was found in the structure.

Council documents stated the project would cost approximately £15.5million overall for the existing library to be transferred and the sourcing of an additional storage facility. Other factors such as reinforced floors to support the weight of books and improved daylight and ventilation would reportedly contribute to the bill. The council claimed the new site would allow for a larger children’s section and modern study areas.

Council documents stated the current Churchill Theatre, which dates back to the 1970s, had reached the ‘end of its life’. The authority has claimed that it wishes to ensure a functional theatre remains on the site.

Conservative Councillor Yvonne Bear, executive councillor for renewal, recreation and housing said in a statement that the new Topshop site was a ‘highly convenient’ location for residents. She added that the move represented an opportunity to further boost the local economy around the site.

She said: “As one of the busiest libraries in London, we know how important Bromley Central Library is to our borough and to all who use it, which is why we are taking such care with these plans and seeking views from residents throughout this process.

“I thank those who have already provided feedback and encourage all those with an interest in the library’s future to share their views, so they can join in shaping these plans to ensure they are right for Bromley.”

Bromley Central Library received more than 350,000 visits in the 2022/23 financial year. Further plans on the proposed move of Bromley Central Library will be revealed by the council later in the year.

Feedback from the public consultation will be shared with the authority’s executive committee for consideration. The move to the new site is scheduled to be completed in April 2026.

Pictured top: Bromley Central Library as seen off the high street (Picture: Google Street View)