Villagers are encouraged to get involved with the exciting new Paulton Community Hub as it enters the final phase of development.
The Council-run Paulton Library is expected to move into the Hill Court Shopping Centre in spring 2013, where it will house a community coffee bar and meeting spaces. By having the library located in the shopping centre, the opening hours could potentially be extended through the use of self-service and volunteer help.
Bath & North East Somerset Council has been working on the project with Paulton Parish Council and local ward Councillors John Bull and Liz Hardman.
Councillor David Dixon (Lib-Dem, Oldfield), Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods, said: “The Hub is an exciting project where the local community can develop, deliver and access the services that they want. Having the library in a more central location with a coffee bar and meeting spaces is going to be a real benefit”.
“Bath & North East Somerset Council is keen to enable local people to actively lead the delivery of improvements in their community. We’re grateful for the continued support of the ward councillors and Paulton Parish Council and we encourage people to get involved as volunteers.”
An exhibition took place last year to find out what local residents wanted to see in the new building and those ideas have been incorporated in the plans.
A display of the latest plans will be on view next week at the current Paulton Library, in the Central Methodist Church, during library opening hours (Tuesday 16 October, 2pm-7pm; Friday 19 October, 10am-1pm & 2pm-5pm; and Saturday 20 October, 9.30am-12.30pm).
On Saturday 20th October, Library and Parish Council representatives will also be on hand in the Primary Room at Paulton Methodist Church, during the coffee morning from 10am-12noon, to discuss the project and encourage residents to consider volunteering at the new library.
Councillor John Bull, who, as Ward Councillor for Paulton, has been involved in developing the Community Hub, said: “I am very pleased that this project is going ahead. The Hub will combine an assured home for the library with a social meeting place and a means for those lacking computers or IT skills to go-online. I hope people will consider volunteering a few hours to help out.”
The refurbishment of the Hill Court Shopping Centre will commence shortly and it is expected to be completed around spring 2013.