The new Plumstead library has reopened its doors with a celebratory launch this morning following a major £16m refurbishment and expansion.

The Grade II listed building has undergone a 15-month refurbishment to renovate the old Plumstead Library and created a new, modernised one accompanied with a leisure centre, community rooms and a cafe.

Described as a "brilliant unifying community space at the heart of Plumstead" with "fantastic new facilities," a launch event was held to celebrate the official opening of the Plumstead Centre.

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Councillors and staff gathered to cut the ribbon, and a celebratory cake was shared as the library officially returned to its true home.

 

 

The library was temporarily housed on Abbey Street since 2018, ensuring children still had access to library services, but this closed on Friday, with council employees working to shift the library over to its new home

The centre also includes a new leisure centre, social hubs and community rooms, and according to Greenwich Council has been created in a manner befitting the historic status of the building as well as providing modern facilities and expanding the centre.

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Residents are invited to come down and take a look, with the opening day hosting a Baby Rhyme Time session with story time and songs, a vist from author Rachel Beckles and a visit from a local school.

 

 

The other areas of the centre, the leisure centre and the social hubs and community rooms, will be open to the public from the 17 February, and there will be a grand opening on Saturday February 29.

Miranda Williams, cabinet member for culture, leisure and the third sector, said last week she was "very excited" to move back to the original building with minimal disruption.

"The new Plumstead Centre looks amazing and there are a wide range of enhanced facilities for people of all ages. I’m confident it’s going to be a hit with residents.”