New Uxbridge Library opens at Civic Centre

At the ceremony, the Mayor of Hillingdon, Cllr Colleen Sullivan, and Leader of Hillingdon Council, Cllr Ian Edwards, unveiled a plaque to mark the formal opening of the facility, located in the former Middlesex Suite of the Grade II listed building, which has been fully refurbished to create a low-carbon, accessible and modern library.

The event was also attended by the council's Cabinet Member for Community and Environment, Cllr Eddie Lavery, and classes of children from nearby St Andrew's Church of England Primary School and Whitehall Junior School, who were given special tours. 

Younger visitors enjoyed a Tiny Tales story and rhyme session, while others took part in a knitting and 'community creations' crochet session held by the Knit and Natters, a volunteer-led group that helps combat loneliness.

Laura Kay from Uxbridge attended the Tiny Tales session with her two-year-old daughter, Lily. She said: "The children's library is bright, modern, with a fantastic collection for little ones.

"I'm excited about attending future storytime sessions and picking out books with my daughter to encourage her love of reading." 

The building has been refurbished specifically to accommodate the new library, using an industrial aesthetic with exposed beams and wires, combined with modern glazing, while also retaining its distinctive Art Deco features.  

Designed to maximise natural light, the new space is a bright and welcoming environment for visitors. The parquet flooring has been restored to its former glory using sections of reclaimed wood from a 16th century church floor.

The entire refurbishment is low-carbon, with all the glazing replaced using original fittings, and the building is heated by an air source heat pump.

Reflecting the council's wider strategy to deliver value for money for residents by co-locating key services to improve access, just 30-metres away lies the Uxbridge Family Hub and Uxbridge Adult Education Centre. A brand new, fully registered local history museum is also under construction next to the library and set to open later this year. 

Speaking at the opening, Cllr Edwards said: "This is a truly stunning new facility that celebrates learning, creativity and connection, while meeting our requirements for sustainability and accessibility.

"I hope this bright, spacious and modern library will become a vibrant hub for the local community and by co-locating it with other essential services, we've made it simple for residents to also access family support and education opportunities all in one place."

All areas of the library are fully accessible on one level, with wheelchair access via the Civic Centre's existing ramps or its brand-new lift. And for those reliant on public transport, four bus services alight at the stop in front of the Civic Centre forecourt.

Find out more at www.hillingdon.gov.uk/uxbridge-library-relocation.