It’s the latest setback in a long line of issues for the library
The multimillion-pound revamp of Lewisham Library has faced further delays after the council revealed the expected reopening date has been pushed back another year.
Lewisham Library was due to reopen to the public in the autumn, but at a recent full council meeting (July 22), it was revealed that the expected reopening date has now been delayed until late 2027.
Cllr Hau-Yu Tam, Cabinet Member for Communities, Sanctuary and Healing, provided an update on the library revamp after a public question was asked about it.
In her written response, Cllr Tam said: “Since taking office, we have been briefed on delays affecting the Lewisham Library renovation project. The completion of the renovation works has been delayed due to the need to rectify unexpected issues with the building’s secondary structure, namely the brickwork surrounding the concrete core.
“Unfortunately, these issues could not be identified until the main works were underway. Officers are working with the architects, structural engineers and contractors to address these issues and finalise the revised programme. The expected opening date is now autumn 2027.”
A spokesperson for Lewisham Council told the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) that they completely understand people’s frustration over the delayed reopening.
They said: “This is a major and complex retrofit project. As work has progressed, we’ve uncovered structural issues in parts of the building that couldn’t have been identified until construction was underway.
“While this is not unusual on a project of this size, it means extra remedial work is needed before the refurbishment can be completed. This will ensure the building is safe, sustainable and able to serve the community for many years to come.”
The spokesperson said they remain committed to delivering the “outstanding community asset” they promised and are confident it will be ‘worth the wait’.
Proposals for the library makeover were first announced in January 2023, and in September that year, the library temporarily closed for renovation.
At the time, the council had set a reopening date of early 2026; this was pushed back even further to May of that year after a separate planning application was submitted.
In summer 2024, it was also revealed that plans for a rooftop bar were to be scrapped due to ‘a lack of money’ and problems with the building’s structure, planning documents submitted to Lewisham Council showed.
Instead, a new business hub planned for the second floor of the library is set to ‘benefit from the level 2 terrace area’, according to the same documents.
The revamp forms part of a £24 million project to revitalise Lewisham town centre, which includes refurbishing the library, delivering an improved Lewisham Market and improving the high street.
Lewisham Council has secured £19 million in Government funding and has used £5 million in council money to deliver the project.
Alongside core library and heritage services, the refurbished library building will offer improved study areas, meeting rooms, workspaces for local businesses and students, a performance space, and a new café.
Lewisham Market is getting a new layout, improved stalls, and a permanent market house and canopy, which will increase trading capacity and create opportunities for pop-ups and evening events. Additionally, the plans will deliver a Grade II-listed Clock Tower as well as better lighting, paving and planting.
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