Brand new library to open in Essex town complete with public garden and outdoor learning

Plans for the new library and homes
-Credit:Essex County Council


Essex County Council has announced the opening of the brand new Shenfield library. Complete with a public garden and outdoor learning spaces, the new library is set to open early next month.

The Shenfield Library in Essex was demolished in the summer of 2022 to make way for a new, larger library. The new library was expected to open in spring 2024, but construction was delayed due to increased costs.

With the building work now completed, the new Shenfield Library will offer residents a bright, new modern library and commercial space, with nine high quality apartments above. The fit out of the library space will take place over the coming weeks, ready to welcome residents for a much-anticipated launch in February.

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The new Shenfield library represents Essex County Council’s first library to use Air Source Heat Pumps, with the development also including Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery and Electric Vehicle Charging Points for residents that exemplify the development’s sustainable credentials.

At the time of planning submission, the combined residential, library and commercial elements achieved a 54% carbon emission saving over and above building regulations. A new public garden, outdoor learning and activity space further enhances the library service offer.

Essex County Council said: "We are very excited to announce that Shenfield Library will be opening early February! To allow stock and equipment to be transferred, we will be closing our temporary location at Bishops Hill ACL 12pm, January 25 2025.

"To better serve our customers with this transition, our mobile library will be outside the Bishops Hill carpark on January 29 and 30 and February 3 10am-3pm."