New Oakengates library opens in the heart of town

A brand new Oakengates library has officially opened its doors at 6-8 Limes Walk in the town. Plans were approved earlier this year for the new facility, which is called ‘Turning Pages @ Oakengates Library.’

The Limes Walk units have been completely transformed into a new space for book lovers as part of the wider Oakengates Theatre Quarter project funded by Telford & Wrekin Council.

Oakengates Town Council has taken ownership of the library from Telford & Wrekin Council in a move which will ensure an essential library service continues in Oakengates.

The newly refurbished units were fitted out in March, and the facility includes a refreshment and seating area where people can meet up and socialise, and which can be used by community groups.

The new library is easily accessible with direct frontage onto Limes Walk which looks out onto a new pedestrianised area.

First Point services will also be available at the new library which is a ‘one-stop shop’ for Council and community support.

Services include support with accessing public computers, booking free phone appointments for Council services using the free phone service and assistance with blue badge or concessionary travel applications.

Properties have been demolished to make way for a large public realm area which include a new pedestrianised zone, square and public spaces which adjoin Limes Walk and Market Street.

The square and community spaces, which are being created as part of the Theatre Quarter project, support the wider Telford Theatre plans and are located directly outside the theatre.

The Theatre Quarter works have opened up the rest of Oakengates town, linking this area with Market Street where many other businesses and services are based, as well as becoming a focal point for live events and an enhanced market.

Completion of the first phases of the Theatre Quarter project saw businesses move into transformed retail units which improve the overall appearance of the town centre, with further new businesses set to move in, while apartments above the retail units are now fully let.

Councillor Shirley Reynolds, Telford & Wrekin Council’s Cabinet Member for Children, Young People, Education, Employment & Skills, said:

“We’re thrilled to see the library reopen in a new permanent home in Oakengates following the complete revamp of these units on Limes Walk.

“The library service in Oakengates is essential for residents of all ages who not only use the venue to read but also as a place to meet people and socialise. The First Point services are also a great addition to the town and the library offer.

“We remain committed to improving Oakengates town centre for our residents and visitors, through both the regeneration of Limes Walk and the theatre project.

“The library is a focal point of the town, and this means we have retained it for many generations to come.

“It’s all part of our commitment to make Oakengates and Telford and Wrekin a better place to live, learn, work and socialise.”

An Oakengates Town Council spokesperson said:

“We’re really pleased to open the new library in its new home. It’s a bright, welcoming place where people can enjoy books, relax, and meet others. Taking on the library means we can keep this important service in the heart of Oakengates, and we’re proud to support the improvements happening across our town.”