Launceston Town Council has announced a new home for the town’s library has been purchased.

The town council, in partnership with Cornwall Council who are funding both the purchase and complete refurbishment of the building, have purchased the former Barclays Bank building on Broad Street. 

The building will be used to accommodate the town library, the registration service and an information centre, as well as having the potential to offer short term office space and room hire, and providing a community hub for the town. The central location in the heart of the town centre, hopes to ensure accessibility for all.

Mayor of Launceston, Cllr Helen Bailey said: “So much work has been involved over many years to ensure we have a town library, to have our fantastic facility in the heart of our town open six days a week ensures we can build on the service offered to our residents and the wider community.”

The council has explained that while this will not only centralise some of the town’s facilities, it also means that a large central town building is not left standing unused, but will instead be preserved and maintained to provide a multi-use facility for Launceston.

Cornwall Councillor for Launceston, Cllr John Conway added: "I am delighted that this prominent town centre site has been purchased for use as a library. It has taken a long time and I am sure the wait will prove worthwhile."

The town council will now undertake a tender process for a construction provider to fulfil the necessary works to the site.