LB Brent has approved plans for a redevelopment of the Willesden Green Library site to provide a new Willesden Green Cultural Centre.
The centre is expected to open its doors in early 2015, providing a “state of the art” library and cultural centre that will act as the main hub for council services and community activity in the south of the borough.
The facilty will be built by Galliford Try as part of a development agreement for the site, which will also provide new homes.
Earlier proposals for the new library included the demolition of part of the original Victorian library on the High Road, but this proposal was withdrawn. The new design retains the locally-listed building and converts it back to a public resource. THe council say it will act as a ‘front room’ to the new cultural centre available for community use.
Brent Council’s Lead Member for Regeneration and Major Projects, Cllr George Crane, said: “The decision last night by the planning committee was important for the regeneration of Willesden and the High Road.”
Tony Blackburn, Land Director at Galliford Try, added: “This is a fantastic example of the public and private sectors coming together to deliver something exceptional for the local community.”
The proposals will now be put to the GLA and Secretary of State.
