Development at Darnhill library despite lottery funding blow

Despite a recent decision not to award national lottery funding to the Darnhill Library project, Rochdale Borough Council are going ahead with major improvements which remain unaffected.  A bid to the Big Lottery Fund was turned down last month, which Paul Young, Head of Information and Libraries describes as a disappointment:  "It was an extremely creative and innovative proposal that had the full support of the local community on Darnhill and of the Heywood Township Committee."

But its not bad news, as the council will fund improvements to Darnhill, by co-locating a new Youth and Community Centre and improved adventure playground with the existing Library, in partnership with the Primary Care Trust, the Guinness Trust, SureStart and the Youth Service.  

Mr Young stressed that exciting improvements and development work is on schedule to start in January: "This doesn't mean that facilities on Darnhill stay as they are.  A detailed scheme has been drawn up to extend the library to accommodate community facilities and children's and young people's centre, with a new adventure playground created alongside."

"The Big Lottery Fund would have enabled the library to be completely refurbished.  We wanted to make it the focal point of the joint service centre, with extended community space, a young people's Book Bar, a computer learning suite and quiet space aimed at older residents ... but there is still a great deal to be positive about."

Darnhill Library will still benefit from new windows, heating system and reception improvements, together with aesthetic improvements to the exterior. 

The new facilities will allow the council to develop activities and volunteering opportunities in partnership with the co-located services and other local agencies.  These will include reading and writing groups, family learning activities, healthy living events, festivals and performances, police surgeries, other community events and public sector consultations with the community.