11-06-2025
West Wickham library transformation to be unveiled with café and business lounge
A major library transformation is set to be unveiled following a multi-million-pound refurbishment.
West Wickham Library will reopen to the public on Friday, June 27, following extensive works that include a modern café, business lounge, and an expanded children's library with outdoor space.
Councillor Yvonne Bear, Bromley Council's executive councillor for renewal, recreation and housing, said: "I'm sure residents passing by during the works have been curious about this landmark building as it has taken form in the heart of West Wickham and I encourage residents to soon explore the impressive new facilities firsthand.
"We use libraries throughout our lives and not just for books, which is why the council have long supported the borough's beloved library network.
"Recent improvements across our libraries continue to drive their popularity, while ensuring they have the resources needed to support residents long into the future."
Multi-million-pound refurbishment transforms landmark West Wickham Library (Image: West Wickham Library) West Wickham is the fifth library in the borough to be refurbished as part of more than £30 million of investment aimed at modernising facilities and reducing future maintenance costs.
A highlight of the new library is the first Makerspace in a Bromley library, offering 3D printers, a die cutter, and sewing machines to support innovation and entrepreneurship.
This facility was made possible by more than £1 million in funding from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
The library also features new bookable areas, including a community space and business lounge, public toilets on each floor, and additional work and study zones.
The project has already attracted industry recognition, having been shortlisted for Best Retrofit Project in the Building London Planning Awards.
First Bromley library Makerspace features 3D printers and sewing tools (Image: West Wickham Library)
To mark the reopening, Bromley Council is inviting residents to join in a day of activities on June 27, from 11.30am to 5pm.
The celebrations will include craft workshops, art sessions, and a children's event with author Peter Bently.
The Mayor will officially open the library at 11am.
The library will be operated by Greenwich Leisure Limited (GLL), the charitable social enterprise that runs all of Bromley's libraries.
Rebecca Gediking, head of libraries at GLL, said: "It has been a privilege to work with the London Borough of Bromley to renovate and refurbish West Wickham Library.
"GLL libraries are some of the highest performing across the UK with Bromley Libraries lending the highest number of books in London for the last two years.
"We cannot wait to open the new West Wickham Library which captures all of the magic of the old library whilst inspiring and supporting a new generation of readers."
The refurbishment was delivered alongside the construction of 26 new affordable homes on a nearby car park site, part of the council's Bromley homes for Bromley people programme.
The housing development, which supported the library project, is expected to be completed later this year.
Three alternative council car parks are available within a ten-minute walk of the library.
Bromley Council's wider library improvement programme continues, with refurbishments currently underway at Chislehurst, Mottingham, and Orpington libraries.
Plans are also progressing to relocate Bromley Central Library to a new high street location, with further details to be announced in due course.
