Lewisham library: Delayed refurbishment gets started
Lewisham council announced the award of levelling-up funding to restore the library in 2023 and the library has been closed ever since. Construction has finally started.
The council announced its plans to refurbish Lewisham library, creating a new "Library, Culture and Business hub" in August 2023.
The library "temporarily" closed to the public on 16 September 2023, and the council stated that they expected it to reopen early 2026.
More than two years later, the council announced that contractor Rooff Construction has started work and they expect the library to reopen late 2026.
Levelling-up funding
The council confirmed its successful bid for £19m of government levelling-up funds from the government in 2023, planning to add £5m of council funds to provide total funding of £24m for improvements to Lewisham town centre.
Planned work included refurbishment of the library and changes to the market and Lewisham High Street.
Public consultation took place in early 2024 and the council said that community groups have also had input into the library plans.
In August 2024, plans for a rooftop bar were cancelled and the library opening date pushed back to May 2026.
The improvements to Lewisham High Street completed April 2025, followed by improvements to the market, which are rolling out in phases.
The library building will have improved accessibility and offer an open-plan environment. There will be dedicated areas for children and young people, alongside stepped seating for talks, performances or public use.
While retaining space for books and studying, there will be a new business hub, performance spaces, meeting rooms and a café.
Lewisham mayor, Brenda Dacres said: “It’s fantastic to have Rooff on board and construction now underway at Lewisham Library. At a time when libraries are closing across the country, we’re proud to be investing in our award-winning service ..
“Alongside core services like books and heritage, the new space will become a vibrant hub for culture and business, while also helping to signpost other essential council services."
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"Temporary" closure and delays
Local resident Mark Morris asked for an update on the restoration project in a public question in July 2024. Councillor Edison Huynh responded for the council, saying that the council was nearing the end of the "developer design" stage and pre-construction investigations.
He confirmed that the council expected to complete the tender process later in 2024, and construction to take place during 2025 through to spring 2026.
The council have not offered a reason for the delay in commencing construction or explained why the library needed to be closed two years before construction began.
Cllr Sakina Sheikh, Cabinet Member for Communities, Culture, Sports and Libraries said: “We are so excited to announce we’re one step closer to reopening Lewisham Library!
"Libraries are a core part of our community spirit in Lewisham and this library, in particular, holds a special place in my heart as it’s where I borrowed my first book and studied for my A-levels ..
"We hope it can continue to be a place where our communities come together – whether it's for cultural performances, business, networking, reading, studying, or socialising."
Residents will be invited to help name six internal spaces in the building.
Rooff Construction Limited, the contractors leading the renovation, also delivered the successful refurbishment of Broadway Theatre in Catford.
Construction is expected to be completed by autumn 2026.
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