Final works take place on delay-hit library

Nottingham City Council's leader has said the new Sherwood Library could open by spring, as fit-out work gets under way on the delay-hit centre.

The old library in Spondon Street was deemed not fit for purpose in 2017, and the council later sold the site to Hockley Developments so a new one could be built.

However, its opening has been marred by problems, and campaigners condemned a "tug-of-war" game between the developer and the council to remedy a number of defects found with the new building.

During a full council meeting on Monday, the authority's leader, Neghat Khan, recommitted to the site's spring opening.

She said the developer has now completed outstanding work and council contractors are now on site fitting out the library.

"This involves installing IT and library systems, fitting out shelves and signage, equipment and stock," she added.

"Items are already being moved into the building."

Under the deal to build the new library, it was agreed it would come at no capital cost to the council, and a 125-year lease would be signed at a nominal rent, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

The developer has built a number of new homes on a large part of the site, and a Sainsbury's store has also opened in a space beneath the new library.

Problems with the development first became apparent after previous contractor Dako Construction went into administration at the beginning of 2023.

The library building was handed back to the council at the end of 2023 for the final fit-out.

It was due to open in summer 2024 but more than 130 defects were discovered by the council in the building.

A temporary mobile library facility began operating in December 2025 and is available to the public every Saturday at Woodthorpe Grange Park.

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