Glasgow library to re-open next summer after £4m refurbishment

The project, approved by the city council’s planning team, includes relocating Elder Park community centre into the library. It aims to improve accessibility for visitors and provide a new community hall as well as increased space for bookings.

Glasgow Life, which runs cultural and leisure facilities for the council, is going to refurbish the A-listed building.

Solar panels and more energy efficient heating will be installed while all lighting will be upgraded to LED and a new fire alarm and security system put in place.

A Glasgow Life spokesman said: “Considerable investment of nearly £4 million has been committed to the restoration of Elder Park Library, which will significantly improve the fabric of the building and deliver a modern, fit-for-purpose library that best serves the needs of the community.

“Our contractor, City Building Glasgow, will begin a programme of internal and external improvement works this month, which will ensure the library is structurally sound and sustainable for the future.

“We expect it will reopen in summer 2023 and we will share further updates through our website and social media channels.”

Glasgow Life’s planning application stated the building’s interior is “a fantastic example of architecture of this heritage” but due to its age, various areas are “not suitable for modern day requirements.”

Issues listed included poor accessibility, lighting and ventilation as well as “significant levels” of asbestos and “wear and tear” throughout the building.

It stated a new ramp and steps would be erected to the west of the building, creating a new entry point to the main building and cafe. An existing access ramp will be retained and repaired.

The plans also revealed the basement will be refurbished and made accessible to the public, with a platform lift installed to give access to people with restricted mobility, and a new accessible toilet will be provided.

“The careful restoration and repurposing of the library will benefit all residents of Elder Park, an area within Greater Govan which is among the most disadvantaged parts of Scotland,” the application added.

It stated: “The current community centre is located nearby in a dilapidated prefabricated building that is no longer fit for purpose. Relocating existing community facilities and providing additional and enhanced services will benefit not only existing service users, but also library visitors and the wider community.”