IT’S BEEN a long time coming, but work on Twyford’s new library has finally started.
Wokingham Borough Council has signed a lease agreement with The Polehampton Trust, giving it permission to convert former boys school for a peppercorn rate over 99 years.
When completed, the existing library will be relocated to the Grade II listed building on Polehampton Close.
Contract Trading Services (CTS) Ltd is to convert the building, which will include a single storey extension and an accessible entrance, providing an additional 39.9m of floorspace.
The council will also be making the building as energy efficient as possible given the constraints of the listed building and the site. Planning permission was granted in February 2021.
The previous administration had intended to mothball the plans due to inflationary pressures on the building industry caused by a shortage of materials, but on taking office in May last year, the new ruling Lib Dem administration restored the green light to the plans.
Cllr Sarah Kerr, executive member for climate emergency and resident services on Wokingham Borough Council, said the plans were a good example of how partnership working can benefit residents in providing community facilities.
“It is great to see the momentum building for the new library in Twyford,” she said.
“We’ve reached two important milestones and I am pleased we’re turning our ambitions to bring a permanent library to this important listed building in the heart of Twyford into reality.
“The restoration and use of heritage buildings has a positive impact on communities and helps improve community cohesion, by connecting residents to the history of their community. It also enhances community and individual identity, which is beneficial to all.”
The Old Boys School was built to educate boys from the village with money left by Edward Polehampton. It is one of the assets of the Polehampton Trust, a charity who seek to support residents in need as well as children’s educational development in the Twyford area.
Amy Goodall-Smith, representing the charity, said its trustees were delighted about the conversation of the building.
“Edward Polehampton bequeathed his estate to Twyford for educational purposes and The Trustees are thrilled that the Old Boys School will continue as a centre to help educate local residents,” she said.
