Hillingdon Council has officially opened its improved Uxbridge Library in the Civic Centre today as part of its strategy of co-locating services to improve access and its ongoing drive to deliver value for money for residents
Hillingdon has welcomed the formal opening of its new library, a state-of-the-art facility housed within the refurbished former Middlesex Suite of a Grade II listed building. The ceremony, attended by local dignitaries and schoolchildren, marked the culmination of extensive renovations aimed at creating a modern, accessible, and environmentally friendly space for the community.
The event was graced by the presence of the Mayor of Hillingdon, Colleen Sullivan, and the Leader of Hillingdon Council, Ian Edwards, who jointly unveiled a plaque to commemorate the occasion. Also in attendance were the council’s Cabinet Member for Community and Environment, Cllr Eddie Lavery, and students from nearby St Andrew’s Church of England Primary School and Whitehall Junior School. The children were treated to special tours of the new facility, adding a touch of youthful enthusiasm to the proceedings.
Younger visitors were entertained with a Tiny Tales story and rhyme session, while others participated in a knitting and ‘community creations’ crochet session organised by the Knit and Natters, a volunteer-led group dedicated to combating loneliness. Laura Kay, a local resident from Uxbridge, attended the Tiny Tales session with her two-year-old daughter, Lily. She expressed her delight at the new children’s library, describing it as “bright, modern, with a fantastic collection for little ones.” Kay added, “I’m excited about attending future storytime sessions and picking out books with my daughter to encourage her love of reading.”
The refurbishment of the historic building has been meticulously executed to blend modern functionality with its distinctive Art Deco features. The new library boasts an industrial aesthetic, with exposed beams and wires complemented by modern glazing. The design maximises natural light, creating a bright and welcoming environment for visitors. The parquet flooring has been meticulously restored using sections of reclaimed wood from a 16th-century church floor, adding a touch of historical charm to the contemporary space.
In line with the council’s commitment to sustainability, the entire refurbishment has been designed to be low-carbon. All glazing has been replaced using original fittings, and the building is heated by an air source heat pump, ensuring energy efficiency and reduced carbon emissions.
The new library is part of a broader 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. Additionally, a brand-new, fully registered local history museum is under construction next to the library and is set to open later this year. This integration aims to create a vibrant community hub where residents can access a range of essential services in one convenient location.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Ian Edwards highlighted the significance of the new facility, stating, “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. 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.”
The library is fully accessible on one level, with wheelchair access available via the Civic Centre’s existing ramps or its brand-new lift. For those reliant on public transport, four bus services alight at the stop in front of the Civic Centre forecourt, ensuring the facility is easily reachable for all members of the community.
The opening of the new library in Hillingdon marks a significant milestone in the council’s efforts to enhance community services while preserving the area’s rich historical heritage. With its modern amenities, sustainable design, and central location, the library is poised to become a cherished gathering place for residents of all ages, fostering a love of learning and a sense of community connection.
