Suffolk Libraries and the Friends of Bungay Library are asking for people’s views on plans to replace and improve the entrance foyer at Bungay Library.
The proposed changes would provide a larger and more welcoming and useful entrance area at the library which would benefit the local community. It would also make the library more energy efficient.
The Friends of Bungay Library are contributing at least £10,000 towards the cost of the work and will be carrying out additional fundraising to support the project.
It is hoped that Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) funding from East Suffolk District Council and Bungay Town Council can also be secured for the project. Suffolk Libraries has launched a public consultation to ask for local people’s views on the plans to help provide evidence for the funding bid for this project.
Detailed plans are available to view at the library, but the benefits of the proposals include:
A larger foyer area with automatic doors to provide better access for older or disabled customers and those with prams or buggies. Sheltered canopy areas will also provide ‘parking’ for prams and buggies, freeing up space inside the library.
The new foyer plans include a storage facility for chairs, folding tables and other equipment making it easier to set up the main library space for meetings and activities. This will enable the library to host more events in future.
The space would provide additional space for information displays promoting health and wellbeing, cost of living support, as well as community activities and events throughout the community.
The new foyer will also offer a better view to the library garden which is an accessible and attractive green space for everyone to enjoy. The plans can be viewed at the library or via this link.
Sylvia Knights, Trustee of the Friends of Bungay Library, said:
“We’re very excited about these plans which would make a huge difference to our library and the experience people have as they come through the door. The changes would make the building more accessible, give us a larger and more flexible space and allow us to put on more events and activities. The more people who take part in the survey the more likely we are to secure the funding we need, so we’re appealing to as many local people as possible to take part.”
The survey can be completed online or hard copies can be collected from the library. The consultation will run until Thursday 8 April.
