Brighton library demolished as builders prepare ground for replacement

The demolition of Woodingdean library has been completed with contractors preparing the ground for a new combined library and medical centre on the Warren Road site.

The new library will be almost twice as big as the old one and will include a computer room and meeting room.

The medical centre will provide bigger premises for the surgery that is currently based in The Ridgway where Peter Sagar is the senior partner.

The aim is to enable Dr Sagar’s practice to offer more facilities and services, including better access for people with limited mobility.

Brighton and Hove City Council said that while the new library was being built, it would operate a temporary library from a cabin by the community centre, also in Warren Road.

The new library and medical centre are expected to open in April next year.

Geoffrey Bowden, chairman of the council’s Economic Development and Culture Committee, said:  “I am really pleased that this project will shortly start rising out of the ground.

“When other local authorities are closing their libraries, Brighton and Hove is bucking the trend and building a facility that will be double the size of the former 50-year-old ‘temporary’ library.”

Councillor Bowden said: “Local ward councillors, the council’s library services, the local GPs and the partner developer have worked hard to make this project happen.

“Everyone will be delighted when this major asset for the Woodingdean community, and the city as a whole, is delivered in April next year.”

Dr Sagar and his partners Darren Emilianos and Janet Wilson said: “We are looking forward to working with the library and the local residents, making best use of this wonderful opportunity for the benefit of the community.”