The newly refurbished Burnt Ash Library will reopen on Saturday 22 February, with residents invited to join the celebratory event to mark the occasion, from 11am to 1pm.
Burnt Ash Library is the latest library to benefit as part of a refurbishment programme, with Beckenham Library also successfully re-opening last month. The upgrade work helps ensure that the borough’s libraries continue to be welcoming places, with the improvements also helping minimise future maintenance costs. The refurbishment work at Burnt Ash included installing new lighting, an accessible public toilet and a new heating system, while also creating an improved children’s library space.
The library is being officially reopened by the Mayor of Bromley who will host a ribbon cutting ceremony at 11am. Visitors at the event will be able to enjoy children’s crafts and family activities with complimentary light refreshments being served.
Councillor Yvonne Bear, Executive Councillor for Renewal, Recreation and Housing said, “The investment in our much-valued libraries underlines the important role that libraries continue to have. Libraries are not just places where books can be borrowed but are also places of study, where advice and guidance can also be shared. I am delighted that even more residents will now see the improvements being made, including at Burnt Ash Library which opens on Saturday.”
Councillor Bear continued, “It is through the careful management of council funds that we are able to invest in our library service for the future, which directly minimises future maintenance costs as well.”
Burnt Ash is the fourth library refurbishment recently completed in the borough, following St Paul’s Cray, Southborough and Beckenham libraries already reopened to the public. Repair works are now underway at Chislehurst and Orpington libraries.
Over £11m is being invested to modernise libraries across the borough through repair works and replacement of fixtures and fittings that have reached the end of their useful life. This is in addition to the major regeneration of West Wickham Library, which is already underway, and plans to relocate and improve Bromley Central Library.
Meanwhile, a number of libraries works have been completed and reopened to the public:
Beckenham Library reopened on 5 February 2025 following refurbishment works. Essential repairs were carried out, including the removal of hazardous and end-of-life materials, as well as installing new energy efficient windows and insultation, in keeping with the original glazing and local conservation area. A new publicly accessible toilet with baby changing facilities has been installed, along with increased provision of study spaces. Additionally, the children’s library has been expanded with a bespoke mural installed. With an improved use of space, we are also delighted to offer a new community space.
Southborough Library reopened on Friday 16 August 2024 following the completion of essential repair works, including the creation of a new publicly accessible toilet with baby changing facilities, the installation of a mural in the children’s library, and general improvement works to the lighting, windows, and heating system. More desks and PCs have also been installed, as well as works to improve the accessibility and sustainability of the building.
St Paul’s Cray Library and the connected Community Support Centre reopened following refurbishment in August 2023. The redesigned library building included a new children’s area, computer suites, study areas, community hire spaces and accessible customer toilets. We are delighted that the building is now home to the Community Support Centre, previously located in Cotmandene Crescent.
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