Work at St Augustine’s Community Centre has progressed well and Derby City Council is now in a position to confirm an opening date of 27th November 2019.
To mark the occasion, there will be a series of events which will include poets, authors and storytellers, as well as ‘rhyme time’ and internet sessions. The Library will even host its very own ‘CSI Whodunit?’ event called ‘Burglary in the Library’.
As the Library is situated within St Augustine’s Community Centre, it is hoped the centre will evolve to become a well-attended hub for the community. Groups can hire the space and residents have the opportunity to join other groups who already make St Augustine’s their home.
The downstairs of the building is being completely refitted with new facilities, as well as offering additional Council services including Youth Services, which are currently based at the Madeley Centre. With significant investment, the refurbishment has been well-considered with building and electrical upgrades to ensure it delivers to the City for generations to come. The library itself will house many computers, recently-released books as well as a children’s area.
The building’s first floor has a large hall which is perfect for dance groups, martial arts clubs and exercise classes. In addition, there are also a number of smaller community rooms for hire.
Councillor Robin Wood, Cabinet Member for Leisure, Culture and Tourism, said:
The reopening of St Augustine’s Community Centre combined with a fabulous new library will be a great asset to Normanton and Pear Tree. The programme planned for the launch events will showcase many of the activities such a versatile building can offer. It will be great to see the community enjoy the centre in many more ways than previously offered; as well as a brilliant new library service.