Central Bedfordshire Council (CBC)’s plans to move Stotfold Library from the Simpson Centre to new premises have been backed by their Executive in spite of concerns raised by a significant proportion of survey respondents about the loss of the Greenacres Community Centre, in which the new library will be housed.

CBC’s plans show that the proposed new space will be larger than the existing library, with more books, a study area and an IT zone with Wi-Fi coverage to support people without internet access at home. There are also toilets on site, increased parking capacity and space to hold events. It has also been agreed that the popular, privately run café Box of Cakes, which currently operates next to the Simpson Centre, will be re-locating into the Greenacre Centre alongside the new library.

Stotfold Town Council (STC) will now submit a planning application for a change of use for the Oak Hall to accommodate the library services. Subject to planning approval, a new lease will be agreed with STC for the Oak Hall, and this will enable the library to move to the new location.