Bolton Library work brought half a million in 'social value'

The library reopened at the start of the year after a £4m, 16-month refurbishment of the site on Le Mans Crescent which was made possible by a Bolton Council bid to the Towns Fund.

Over almost a year and a half it was based at a site in Crompton Place to allow for the transformation of the site on Le Mans Crescent, which opened to the public more than 80 years ago on July 4, 1938. 

Now it is back to its former glory with a number of authentic, architectural features on display alongside other, forward-looking features including improved digital facilities.

There is a cafe, a Build a Business section, a children's section in three areas for children of different ages, a mezzanine for use by different groups and much, much more.

Now Robertson Construction, the construction company appointed on behalf of the council, is saying all of the above brought more than half a million pounds to the town in “social value”.

This is because the work used local suppliers and more than a dozen local workers as well as apprentices and trainees. It supported a Building Future Skills in Construction Bolton Programme via work placements and Bolton College and other schools via career sessions and educational activities.

Dirk Pittaway, managing director of Robertson Construction North West, said: "Bolton library plays such an important role for the community and it is a treasured part of Bolton's history and heritage which is why throughout the project we remained respectful of the building’s character, making sure authentic, architectural features remained.

"The transformation delivered by this project goes beyond the building and it was far-reaching into the community.”

For information about Bolton Library go to boltonlams.co.uk.

This article was written by Jack Tooth. To contact him, email jack.tooth@newsquest.co.uk or follow @JTRTooth on Twitter.