LAUNCESTON is set to benefit from a brand new library and town centre hub after Cornwall Council’s cabinet approved the plans.

The site will be purchased if it gains the approval of full council next Tuesday, February 25.

Gemma Massey, (Liberal Democrat) Cornwall Councillor for Launceston Central thinks that this will be a positive step for the town. She said: “This is excellent news for our town. The current Launceston Library building suffers from leaks and is no longer fit for purpose.

“The new hub will safeguard services for Launceston and provide a much more accessible library that doesn’t require people to walk up a steep slope.”

Launceston Town Council and Cornwall Council have been working together on the project for several months in order to secure the library’s future. Launceston Town Council have already taken over the staffing and day-to-day running of the current library site, while Cornwall Council provides the books and back-office functions.

The library staff and town council have boosted footfall and events, and the new purpose-built hub will give them greater scope to provide valued services for Launceston.

Adam Paynter, (Lib Dem) Cornwall Councillor for Launceston North and North Petherwin, said: “The exact location is currently under wraps due to commercial confidentiality, but it will regenerate an area of the town centre that has long been in need of attention. The site will be announced as soon as the purchase has been completed.

“The hub is designed to bring lots of services together. It is still being finalised exactly what will sit alongside the library, but it is likely to include community and office space, and education facilities.”

The project will see Launceston gain a modern and fit-for-purpose building near to Broad Street, safeguarding the library for the future.

Jade Farrington, (Lib Dem) Cornwall Councillor for Launceston South, was keen to thank those that had been part of the process that had now all but seen the new hub come to fruition. She said: “I would like to pay tribute to the officers and councillors from both councils who have worked positively together for so long in order to secure Launceston the facilities our town deserves.

“This is a big investment for Launceston that will provide a high quality, town centre community hub, and I encourage Cornwall Councillors to give it their backing.”

Adrian Parsons, (Lib Dem) Cornwall Councillor for Altarnun is hopeful that local people will be encouraged to make use of the new services. He said: “Lots of people from the surrounding parishes travel into Launceston to access services, and I hope this smart new community hub will lead more of them to join the library and take advantage of everything it offers.”