Northcote Library New Build

Download the full presentation of our current plans

During the construction phase the current library will remain open to the public until the new one is ready to open its doors.

The council first approved the idea of replacing Chatham Hall with a new library and community building in 2017 following widespread public consultation. The scheme was also subject to statutory public consultation as part of the planning application process which led to a planning consent in the summer of 2019.

Proposed layout of the ground floor showing access to drop in PCs, quick choice stock and the children’s library.

The council’s community services spokesman Cllr Steffi Sutters said: “I’m delighted that this long-awaited project is now approaching a start date. It is excellent news for people of all ages living in this part of Battersea.

“They will be getting a bigger and better fully modernised library with a larger children’s section, alongside a new and improved community centre, able to offer much better accommodation to the local groups that use it.

“The existing library was built in 1969 and is by today’s standards much less efficient in terms of its layout and use of space.

“We’ve looked into whether or not it could be refurbished to bring it up to modern standards but this would be prohibitively expensive and would still leave a small, cramped building with sub-standard amenities.

“The community space at Chatham Hall is also contained within an ageing building that would soon need a significant amount spent refurbishing it. Our scheme will see it completely revamped, with better laid out and more flexible space along with upgraded kitchen facilities, new toilets and its own dedicated outdoor space.

“I’m also pleased we’ve reached an agreement with the nursery that uses Chatham Hall for them to temporarily relocate to the existing library building before returning to an improved new home.

“This is a sensible and cost-effective use of the council’s property portfolio. It means providing much needed homes for Londoners plus a modern new library, community centre and nursery space at a lower cost to local tax payers.

“At a time when many councils in London and elsewhere are closing down libraries and curtailing services to save money we are looking to expand and improve our provision to give our residents a bigger and better Northcote library fit for the 21st century.”

For progress on construction of the new library please click here

To discuss this in more detail with one of the libraries team, please email libraries.administration@gll.org  and we'll arrange a 1-2-1 with you.