Brandon Library and Youth Centre Redesign

Exciting Progress on work for your newly refurbished Library and Youth Centre

We are pleased to share another update on the refurbishment of your local library and youth centre – a space that is being newly designed to inspire, connect and serve your community better than ever.

What’s been happening so far?

We’ve been busy behind the scenes. As you know, over the summer, we finalised the refurbishment designs and reviewed the tender specifications. In mid-September, we officially opened the tender process, inviting contractors to help bring our vision to life. We were granted planning consent for the proposed refurbishment works. As part of the tendering process to appoint contractors to undertake the works, site visits took place in October, giving them a chance to see the space and plan their proposals for how the required works will be completed.

 In our previous update we explained we were hoping for the process to appoint contractors would be completed in December, it has however taken a bit longer, having been completed this month in January.

 What’s coming up next?

The new revised timelines are as follows:

•  January: We are giving advance notice to our customers of the temporary closure of the library and youth centre, so you can plan ahead. Refurbishment contract will be officially signed. Conversations with the appointed contractor about what is needed to prepare the site will commence.
• February: We will liaise with residents to agree temporary access measures around the site for the duration of the works. The youth centre will close from 12 February and the library the 14 February. We will be publicising details of alternative provision nearer the time.
• March: Works are planned to start on site. We will also be inviting residents and customers to share their thoughts on the fit-out proposals and the kind of offer and activities that you would like to see when we re-open – your voice matters in shaping the final look and feel!. We are also planning for consultation on proposals for the public realm around the building and Maddock Way to take place at the same time.
• August/September 2026: All going well, completion is expected – and we can’t wait to welcome you back to a refreshed, vibrant space.

We’ll continue to keep you updated. Thank you for your patience and support as we work to create a space that truly reflects the heart of our community.



In addition we are pleased to update that Newington ward councillors have allocated an additional £100,000 from the Community Infrastructure Levy for improvements to the external area surrounding the Brandon library and youth centre in Maddock Way. This boost will enable the implementation of enhancements to the public realm which were previously out of scope, but one of the key requests from the consultation.

The public realm improvements project will be led by our colleagues in the housing department. Over the coming months, they will be engaging in consultations and dialogue with residents and stakeholders to shape the proposals. Your input will be invaluable in ensuring that the improvements align with the community's needs and expectations.

 We will be contacting stakeholders in due course regarding the placement of skips and porta cabins necessary during the refurbishment works. Our goal is to minimise any disruptions and ensure smooth progress throughout the project.

Our initial preparation works have unearthed an original mosaic designed and installed by Anthony Hollaway in the youth centre in the the early 1960's which was part of the Greater London Council's architectural plans for the estate. We will be conserving the mosaic as part of the youth centre works; and it will be on public display when the youth centre and library re-open.

There will be a public meeting on 4th February at the Jack Hobbs Club to discuss all the planned works in the area: