Exciting Plans For Plumstead Library And Leisure Facilities

by WO Admin | Woolwich

Plans to provide Plumstead residents with an exciting upgrade to current library and leisure services came a step closer this week following a successful consultation with residents.

Marked for upgrade - Plumstead Library.

The council is now ready to move forward with plans by commissioning a feasibility study on the existing library building, with the ambition of delivering a co-located library and leisure service for Plumstead. The library has extensive unused space which could be adapted for a range of uses and substantial amounts of land to accommodate some new build extensions.

Following online consultation and conversations with Plumstead residents on how best to improve library and leisure services, residents made clear that their priorities were to have access to good quality books and materials, as well as more computers and Wi-Fi that is available for longer hours.

Residents also highlighted the need for more multi-function spaces where people can take part in sports and activities including cultural events and exhibitions.

Ongoing extensive consultation will be an important part of developing the final plans for the centre.

The success of the Eltham Centre, Woolwich Centre and the recently opened Greenwich Centre has proven that the co-location of services helps make it easier for people to access a range of services under one roof.

At Thamesmead the refurbished centre has seen book borrowings increase and a 300% rise in It use in just one year.

The Woolwich Centre library is now the second busiest library in the UK following the newly extended Sunday opening hours.

And the Eltham Centre provides first-class library and leisure facilities, including a brand new pool-pod which allows people to enter the pool on foot or on a specially designed submersible wheelchair.

Leader of Royal Borough of Greenwich, Cllr Denise Hyland
showing off one of the two Swimming pools
at The Greenwich Centre, Greenwich.

Councillor Miranda Williams, Cabinet Member for Culture and Creative Services said: “We are excited to move forward with completing a feasibility study on providing an improved facility in Plumstead that will fit in to our wider regeneration plans for the area. I am determined that the new centre reflects what local people want and we will be carrying out extensive consultations to ensure that our plans do just that.

“Whilst other councils are closing libraries due to cuts to their funding, our sound financial management has meant we are opening and refurbishing new larger facilities.

“This also fits into our plans to continue to make our service centres community hubs where people can loan books and DVDs, keep fit, study and learn new skills, access health services and interact with the Council. It is all part of our commitment to provide services fit for the 21st Century.”

Once the feasibility study is commissioned local residents and stakeholders will have a further opportunity to give their views on the plans in the coming months.