Castleton’s “most prestigious building” to come back to life

The Carnegie Library building in Castleton

The Carnegie Library, described as the most prestigious building in Castleton, which has been derelict for 10 years, has been bought by a local businessman Nick Crewe and is being refurbished.

The once popular Manchester Road library was first opened back in 1905 after the philanthropist Andrew Carnegie donated £2,500 for it to be built. It became unoccupied in 2006 after the library was moved to Castleton Community Centre.

Councillor Billy Sheerin said that the reopening of the building is vital to the regeneration of Castleton. He said: “The possibility of the building coming back to life has been exciting news for everyone and is important for the regeneration of Castleton village.

“It is the most prestigious building in the village and means a lot to local people, it had a lot of flair.”

Sheila Whitworth, Secretary of Friends of Carnegie Library, said: “At last, the Carnegie has been bought by a local businessman, who was born in Castleton and used to visit the library as a scholar, and has business interests in Rochdale and Castleton.

“He has been in touch with us and has assured me that he will work with us to bring it back to life as a community facility for Castleton. The building is badly damaged and will take some time to repair and renovate, but he says it will be sympathetically done and that he - like us - wants to see it remain as near to its original condition as possible.

“Thank you to everyone for your support and belief in what - over the past 18 months – has sometimes been a very difficult thing to do.”