Library to close for work programme

Library to close for work programme

22 November 2023

KILLYLEAGH Library is to close at the start of December as work starts on a controversial £750,000 scheme to remove the top floor of the building.

The High Street facility will remain shut until the spring as contractors complete work on the Libraries NI scheme which secured formal planning approval last month.

Libraries NI secured funding from the Department for Communities to appoint a design team to develop a project for upgrading Killyleagh library’s facilities, with the aim of creating a sustainable, low energy building which will be the first of its kind in Northern Ireland.

The planned refurbishment work includes installing a new thermal efficient roof, new triple glazed windows and doors, along with new LED lighting for energy efficiency. 

The interior of the library will also be enhanced with a new ceiling and floor covering and redecoration of internal walls.

Libraries NI officials say the upper floor of the building, which is adjacent to the town’s historic castle, has limited accessibility and is not used for the provision of library services having formerly been an further education training facility created by the building’s previous owners. 

In addition, officials say the design proposals focus on creating a single storey, sustainable, low energy library facility.

Planners ruled that the proposal to reduce the size of the current library will have no impact on the town’s conservation area or adjoining properties which enjoy protected status.

They say the majority of the 20 objections to the Libraries NI proposal related to the “inappropriateness” of the design of the proposed new building.

Planners say the reuse of the library’s ground floor is welcomed and that reducing the height of the building may afford more open views at this part of High Street and Dufferin Place with the much reduced entrance feature considered “sympathetic” and in keeping with the existing conservation area.

Planners say the existing library “contributes little” to the character of the conservation area at this part of the town and that its modification does not cause “any greater demonstrable greater harm” than the existing building.

The planning papers say that on balance, the proposed development is considered “sympathetic and respectful” to the conservation area and will protect, preserve and enhance its character and appearance. 

Members of the Killyleagh Development Association (KDA) have described the proposal for the partial demolition of the current two storey library building — which enjoys protected status and is located within the town’s conservation area — as “indiscriminate, ill-judged, lacking foresight and a serious waste of money”.

It formally objected to the planning application to develop what is being described as an eco-library which will be a single story building. 

The KDA argued that in the current climate of financial stress facing all government departments, the library proposal was a “serious waste of money” and that its potential closure to allow the redevelopment work to take place would be a “major inconvenience.”

The organisation insists the current building which was built in the 1970s, is unique in design, exhibiting the period when it was built and should be retained for future generations.

The doors close on Killyleagh library on December 4 with customers asked to visit any public library with those closest in Downpatrick and Saintfield. 

During the closure of Killyleagh library, items can be renewed online with a library membership card and PIN number which is available from library staff, while eBooks, eAudiobooks and eMagazines can also be borrowed through the online library.