Issued by Essex County Council

Visitor numbers have more than tripled at Harwich Library following its £1.16 million refurbishment.

Six months on from reopening its doors, the library has seen a massive increase in visitor numbers.

Before the refurbishment there were around 1,300 visitors per month. This has risen to over 4,500 in the most recent figures.

New memberships have also more than tripled, increasing 311%. In addition, 54% more stock was issued in the first five months of reopening compared to the previous year.  

ACL Essex has also been operating in the library and seen a significant increase in the number of students enrolled. They are located on the mezzanine floor, in a more central and visible location. This gives residents the opportunity to access courses such as Maths, English, wellbeing and family courses.

The Harwich Library building was originally a bus station. Although the library space was well used by the community, the building needed improvements. The library refurbishment aimed to:

• bring services to the community

• enhance the space  

• provide space for community groups

• connect services

• make skills and learning accessible

The library is now a warm and bright environment that hosts a number of events.

The children’s area pays homage to the town’s heritage. It has a nautical theme and is a great space for author visits and regular rhyme time sessions.

Cabinet Member Elect for Resident and Community Services, Councillor Chris Hossack, said: “We know how important libraries are to our residents and we are pleased to see that the transformation of Harwich Library is already benefiting the local community.

“This terrific increase in footfall and membership only serves to prove that if we invest in our library facilities, more people will use them. Thereby bringing people together, supporting learning and skills and helping to breathe new life into town centres and communities.”

Councillor Jeff Bray, Cabinet Member Elect for Regeneration, Planning and Heritage, added: “It's great to see the impact the library refurbishment has had on the local community. This was the first phase of a wider scheme and a key part of our regeneration ambitions for the area.

“I look forward to seeing delivery of the rest of the scheme starting this summer. It will ensure Dovercourt continues to thrive for residents, businesses and visitors.”

The library refurbishment was part of a wider £9 million regeneration initiative in the area.  

This follows the successful application for £6.7m government Local Regeneration Fund by Essex County Council and Tendring District Council. The rest comes from match funding.  

As part of the wider programme, construction of the Dovercourt Public Realm Scheme is due to start in June. This will enhance the areas outside the library and train station and make them safer and more welcoming. It includes paving improvements and resurfacing of key junctions and will support regeneration, benefitting residents, visitors and businesses.  

Work is also well underway on the £500,000 High Street Accelerator Green Spaces project. This is being run by a forum of local partners, with support from Tendring District Council. The project includes improvements to the area close to the Queen Victoria statue.

Tendring District Council has overseen demolition of a derelict building in nearby Victoria Street to make way for social housing. The council also has permission to build a new car park on the site of the old multi-storey in Milton Road.

For more information about the Dovercourt Public Realm Scheme and the planned works, please visit www.essexhighways.org/dovercourt-public-realm-scheme.

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