Bridlington Central library has reopened after contractor Geo Houlton & Sons completed a full refurbishment of its ground floor area.

The project, procured through YORbuild3 minor works, received £250,000 funding from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport’s Libraries Improvement Fund and along with additional council funding, the project has transformed Bridlington Central Library.

The library closed for refurbishment on 29 March and has since been remodelled to maximise the space and new lighting has been installed. Redecorated, and with upgraded shelving and furniture, the library has a light and modern feel whilst retaining its character and improving the overall user experience. There are dedicated spaces for workers and community groups, and a sensory area in the junior library. The Library also features “living wall” panels that bring natural greenery indoors and help to absorb carbon dioxide.

On the first floor there is a dedicated Health Zone where customers can attend their health and wellbeing checks and body composition scans in privacy.

Work will now begin on a special makerspace on the newly refurbished first floor, for small and emerging businesses within Bridlington and the East Riding. The makerspace will be equipped with tools such as 3D printers, embroidery machines, and game design software, helping local entrepreneurs and creators to thrive and is scheduled for opening later this year.

Councillor Nick Coultish, cabinet member for culture, leisure and tourism at East Riding of Yorkshire Council said: ‘’We are extremely pleased to announce the reopening of Bridlington Central Library. The library means a lot to local residents and provides a much-needed community space which fosters education, imagination and connection with others.”

Mike Raven, YORhub Performance & Improvement Manager agreed, saying: “Great to see another YORhub project successfully completed. This scheme required complex internal refurbishment of a building and removal of asbestos whilst keeping other parts of the building open. The client used the rotation mechanism to select Geo Houlton & Sons, a local contractor with relevant experience, to work with ahead of construction and carefully plan and deliver the project with minimal disruption, resulting in an improved facility for Bridlington.”

Debby Jefferson, Operations Manager Libraries & Customer Services, said: “We couldn’t have achieved this amazing project without your support. Thanks to your fantastic team.”

The funding will also be used to update Bridlington North Library which will be announced at a later date.

To see more on Bridlington Central Library visit: Bridlington Central Library 

Visit Geo Houlton & Sons website