Essex County Council news release
The £1.16 million transformation of Harwich Library is on course to finish this summer in time for its 50th anniversary.
Harwich Library will expand by 182 sqm and sport two new classrooms for up to 40 learners, which can be used by community-based providers.
A public consultation on Essex libraries showed residents wanted support for skills and employability. This was at the forefront of the decision to renovate Harwich Library.
Adult Community Learning (ACL) Essex will move into the library from September to make the most of the new facilities and mark the 75th anniversary of ACL in Harwich.
ACL will be able to offer hybrid learning from anywhere in the country at Harwich Library. Its curriculum includes an employability programme, as well as essential skill such as maths, English, digital, functional skills and family learning.
The library’s transformation is part of the £6.6 million Dovercourt Town Centre Improvement Corridor from the Dovercourt Capital Regeneration Projects, delivered by Essex County Council and Tendring District Council.
Wider plans include highways improvements between Dovercourt Railway Station and the seafront, with the county council due to tender a contractor soon. Milton Road car park and derelict land in Victoria Street are also set to be developed by the district council.
Harwich Library has been relocated to Harwich Arts and Heritage Centre on Main Road since September 2024. It continues to deliver services such as rhyme time, memory café, digital support and computer access.
Councillor Lee Scott, Cabinet Member for Housing, Planning and Regeneration, said: “It is exciting to see the progress of these inspirational regeneration projects. The improvements will provide fantastic opportunities and services for the local community. We are proud to be working with Tendring District Council to deliver a joint scheme to help our residents and businesses thrive.”
Councillor Tony Ball, Cabinet Member for Education Excellence, Lifelong Learning and Employability, said: “Bringing ACL into the heart of the community improves access to new skills for our residents. We want to encourage residents to continue learning and be prepared to access new career opportunities in the area.”
Councillor Mark Durham, Cabinet Member for the Arts, Heritage and Culture, said: “There has now been a library serving the Harwich community for 50 years. This renovation shows our commitment to its continued success for many years to come.
“We have listened carefully to the feedback from the public consultation and incorporated the community’s needs, including improved support for skills and employability. This will help ensure we can continue providing a modern and functional library service.”
