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All Change at Ashton Library
Ashton Library is set to undergo a major refurbishment in October, thanks
to a £153,000 investment by Wigan Leisure and Culture Trust. Work will
commence on October 3rd following a lengthy consultation process, although
the library will remain open for the duration of the project. Ashton will
be transformed into a modern public facility, providing excellent
learning, community and information facilities in line with the Trust’s
new vision for the borough’s library services.
The aim of the refurbishment is to retain the existing architectural value
of the Carnegie library and to modernise internal facilities and services.
Central to the changes at the library is the introduction of the Explore
brand, which has been successfully launched at Golborne Library. This will
provide a more welcoming place in which people can enjoy new opportunities
in a comfortable environment. The library will also include a dedicated
area for children and young people in a new area also suitable for
community activities.
The alterations also include:
• Redecoration and re-carpeting throughout.
• A flexible adult learning space, with learn direct provision.
• A quiet area for reading and studying.
• Installation of new lighting in the main library and external lighting.
• A new reception counter linking both sides of the building.
• New internal and external signs and information points.
• New shelving to the main and children’s library.
• Creation of a disabled toilet with baby changing facilities.
• Refreshment facilities.
New look: Plans for Ashton Library
“The aim of the refurbishment of Ashton library is to raise the profile of
the service within the community and to improve the access and usage of
the facility. We want to make the re-furbished library appropriate and
available for the whole community, with a particular emphasis on
encouraging use by children and young people,” says Ian Bancroft,
Executive Director for the Trust. “We also want to inspire better
community use and entice partner services to use the library more. These
aims are in line with the new vision for the library service.”
The plans for Ashton have been finalised following an extensive six-month
consultation process involving community groups and local councillors. The
community of Ashton has also had the opportunity to comment on the plans
via feedback forms in the library and during research that took place in
the town centre.
“96 per cent of people who commented on the plans fully approved of the
changes we are implementing,” continues Ian. “Nine out of ten people also
thought that having specialist IT facilities for children and young people
was an excellent idea. We wanted to ensure everybody had a chance to air
their views during the decision process.”
Some of the comments received from the public included:
• “Ashton Library is a busy and valued facility it is good to see this”
• “glad to see improvements and to see that we encouraging children”
• “really good idea, well thought out and something for everyone”
• “moving the library service into the 21st century are akin to Andrew
Carnegie's visions of his time”
Stuart Maconie, writer, broadcaster and patron of Wigan Borough’s
libraries says, ”I was privileged to witness the massive changes that took
place at Golborne Library and I’m glad to hear they’ve had such a positive
effect on the community. The plans for Ashton look even more exciting and
for me anything that will encourage young people and families to attend
the library more often is a fantastic idea.”
Ashton Library’s refurbishment is due to be completed in January. Wigan
Leisure and Culture Trust vision for libraries also includes
re-programming of the libraries activity programme and the introduction of
new opening hours across the service, including Sunday opening in Ashton.
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NOTES TO EDITORS:
For further information on this News Release please contact Chris Dunbar,
Public Relations Officer, Wigan Leisure and Culture Trust on 01942 486937
or at c.dunbar@wlct.org
Wigan Leisure and Culture Trust: Wigan Leisure and Culture Trust is a
charitable trust working on behalf of Wigan Council to manage and support
Leisure and Cultural facilities, initiatives and events for 300,000
residents across the Wigan Borough.
Getting Wigan Active: Getting Wigan Active is WLCT’s vision to ensure that
people across the Wigan Borough have the opportunity to become more
physically, mentally and creatively active. It also aims to increase
community activity and to encourage good citizenship.
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