Northumberland County Council (NCC) has appointed GB Building Solutions to build a library with community facilities in the Northumberland market town of Haltwhistle.

Haltwhistle's Victorian Mechanics Institute,which currently houses the library and other community services,will be partly demolished and redeveloped to create a three-storey facility of strong contemporary design, contrasting but complimenting the Victorian structure.


GB will preserve the stone-built Institute building, which was opened in 1900, as a local landmark, while making it suitable for 21st century needs.

It is also intended to improve the character and appearance of the town's conservation area in which the building sits.

The new building will consist of a public library, community activity space and offices that will better meet the needs of the town.

GB Building Solutions is starting detailed design work this week and plans to start work on site in May 2009.

The GB team will organise the library's move into temporary accommodation within the next few months to ensure that the community still has access to full library facilities during the demolition and rebuilding programme.

(CD/BMcC)