Library to be rebuilt as part of town development

Work is under way to demolish and rebuild a library as part of the redevelopment of a town centre in South Yorkshire.

The demolition of the 1960s building in Wath is part of a wider £9.9m Levelling Up scheme which, according to Rotherham Council, will deliver a "new modern library, improved public spaces and new opportunities for residents and businesses".

A temporary library service which originally opened last summer on Sandygate will continue to provide the full range of library services, including meeting spaces, public computers, WiFi, and children's activities, the council said.

The new library is expected to form part of a multi-use building on the site at Montgomery Road in spring 2027.

A new two-storey building will be built on the site of the existing library, as part of a multimillion-pound community and commercial development, according to Rotherham Council.

Carly Spark, Rotherham Libraries and Neighbourhood Hubs team leader, who has been working at Wath Library since 2010, said it had always had a "community feel".

"Over the years we've built long-standing partnerships, supported so many local groups and became a hub where people feel welcome and connected," she said.

"Seeing the old building come down will be emotional for all of us as it holds so many memories and has played such a big part in people's lives.

"But, at the same time, it's incredibly exciting. The new library will bring fresh energy into the heart of Wath that still keeps that same community spirit at its core."

Councillor Robert Taylor, cabinet member for transport, jobs and the local economy, said: "We're looking forward to bringing this wonderful new community building and library to Wath.

"Not only will it be pleasing on the eye, it will provide people with somewhere to enjoy events and all the cultural benefits that come with a comfortable, well-equipped modern library."

Polly Hamilton, Rotherham Council's service director for culture, sport and tourism, described the new library as a "vibrant, modern hub".

"The council is proud to be building new libraries in Wath and Rotherham town centre," she explained.

"Libraries are important community hubs and we understand the value they bring to residents in our borough."

The demolition work is expected to last until July, according to the council.

It will also mean a section of the Biscay Way car park, located behind the existing library, will be temporarily closed until 24 July.

To help mitigate the closure, on-street parking restrictions in Wath town centre have been eased, extending them from one hour to four hours, with three new disabled parking bays.

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