Bolton Central Library refurbishment
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Summary
Delivering a major refurbishment for Bolton Council
Bolton Central Library has undergone a significant restoration and refurbishment, providing modern creative and cultural spaces for visitors and attractive new services for the local community.
The transformation, carried out by Robertson, has seen the library refurbished to its original splendour.
Built in the 1930s and part of the wider Bolton Museum, Archives and Aquarium, the parquet floor has been returned to its former glory, with new period lighting and decoration, reflecting to its heritage background.
Works also included:
- new digital facilities,
- fully equipped cafe and a refurbished seating area with bespoke joinery,
- children and young people’s library space with dedicated areas according to age,
- Changing Places facility,
- and additional mezzanine floor.
17
people employed locally
£500k+
social value generated
89
weeks training opportunities
Bolton Central Library
Creating attractive social spaces
Bolton Central Library’s new modern space has been designed to build on the core deliverables of book borrowing and computer use, while offering flexible space for a wide variety of organisations including community groups, businesses, artists, performers and others.
It will increase long-term life opportunities for residents by embedding health, digital skills, and reader development as part of its operational business plan.
The library service has already seen a dramatic increase in usage since reopening, with new and old visitors being attracted from a wider demographic. The new cafe area is supporting footfall not just to the library, but to the museum and aquarium as well, and is becoming a focal meeting point for local people and visitors.
Clear Futures strategic partnership to benefit Bolton
Through a strategic partnership with Bolton Council, Clear Futures ensured the project met their requirements, provided value for money, and was delivered within programme and budget.
Clear Futures supported Bolton Council in securing Levelling Up funding and procured a Tier 1 contractor.
Acting on behalf of the local authority, Clear Futures managed the development of the designs, cost plan and program during preconstruction; as well as managing the construction phase, and co-ordinating practical completion and handover activities.
Find out more about Clear Futures
Clear Futures is a partnership between Eastbourne and Lewes Councils and strategic delivery partners AECOM and Robertson. Clear Futures connects people to share and leverage built environment and public sector expertise, unlock projects into delivery and achieve long-term impact.
Bringing benefits for people and places through social impact
Committed to creating a meaningful and lasting legacy through community wealth building, Robertson delivered over half a million pounds of social value.
This was achieved through using local supply chain, employing 17 local people, three trainees and 10 apprentices.
Robertson supported Bolton Council’s “Building Future Skills in Construction Bolton Programme” by providing work placements to support participants in getting work-ready.
Bolton College and local schools also benefited from career sessions and construction-based educational activities.
The transformational change of Bolton Library will now make a huge contribution to the area, providing inspiration and entertainment that promotes interaction and cohesion, to attract both new and repeat visitors from a wide range of demographics and socio-economic backgrounds.
