Nottinghamshire County Council has approved a significant investment to provide a new, state-of-the-art library in Sutton-in-Ashfield town centre.
The current library building on Forest Street is over 50 years old and is no longer fit for purpose as a modern library and community facility. The new development will provide a contemporary, accessible space that supports culture, learning, heritage, and reading for Sutton-in-Ashfield residents and the wider area.
The new library will be based at Broadway House in Brook Street, just a short walk from the current library, and conveniently located close to public transport links and town centre parking. Nottinghamshire County Council will invest £1.1 million to modify and fit out the building, a former housing office owned by Ashfield District Council.
The project builds on a successful partnership between the county council, ARC Partnership, and Inspire, with a strong track record of developing new and refurbished libraries over the last 20 years. The new facility will draw on that experience and best practice to provide a state-of-the-art, future-ready library and inspiring community venue.
A key feature of the library will be the Digital Innovation Centre, funded through the UK Government’s Towns Fund. The centre will help residents and businesses develop digital skills by providing access to a range of digital hardware, software, and learning opportunities to support creativity, innovation, content creation, and employability.
The library will also host the council’s Registration Service and will include an art room, digital studio, meeting rooms, and learning spaces. Designated as a community hub, the library will provide access to information, local services, and support provided by the county council, the voluntary sector, and local partners.
It is estimated that the library will welcome more than 130,000 visitors each year and host over 25 events and courses each week.
Design work is well underway, with the programme of works expected to begin in early 2027 and the library scheduled to open in summer 2027. We hope to minimise the period during which the service will not operate while the new building is being commissioned following the completion of the building works.
Councillor Jody Stoll, Cabinet Member for Communities and Public Health, said: “Libraries are at the heart of community life, and this investment is fantastic news for Sutton-in-Ashfield. Moving to Broadway House gives us the opportunity to create a practical, street-level space with better facilities for families, learners, older people, and residents with mobility needs.
“Our libraries are so much more than a place to borrow books. They are welcoming hubs where people can learn, get online, access services, be creative, and come together.
“We know how important libraries are to local communities, and this £1.1 million investment shows our commitment to giving Sutton residents a high-quality library that is fit for the future. I’m really excited to see Broadway House transformed into a vibrant new space at the heart of the town.”
Councillor James Walker-Gurley, Cabinet Member for Economic Development and Assets Management, said: “Moving Sutton Library to Broadway House is a positive step that will help secure the long-term future of the service in a building that is better suited to modern needs.
“The new site will be more accessible, more energy-efficient, and better able to support residents while also reducing long-term running and maintenance costs.
“The current building has served the community for many years, but the scale of investment needed to keep it going means this is the right decision for Sutton and for local taxpayers.”
Peter Gaw, Inspire Chief Executive Officer, said: “We have been excited about the prospect of a new library since last summer, when it became clear a new site was a possibility. Our library staff at Sutton are a great team and have been frustrated that the current building has limited what they can provide and has, at times, had to restrict opening hours and even close due to the condition of the building.
“The team visited Broadway House a few weeks ago and were bouncing with enthusiasm and ideas about how the service can develop for our current customers and new customers. Inspire, as the council’s adult learning service and as an Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisation, will ensure the library is a cultural and learning centre for Sutton and the wider area.
“As Inspire celebrates its 10th anniversary year, a new library for Sutton really is the icing on the cake.”
