The cost of relocating Twyford library will exceed £1m after additional finances have been allocated to finish the work. 

Wokingham Borough Council’s executive voted to complete the lease for the Old Polehampton Boys School building and move the library away from its existing site on Twyford High Street. 

An additional £330,000 will come from Section 106 contributions – funds paid by developers to help deliver infrastructure projects across the borough – which the council puts down to “rising cost of materials” and an “ongoing desire” to make the library energy efficient. 

READ MORE: Toutley East care home row over air pollution and dementia link

The council leader and executive member for business and economic development, Cllr Clive Jones, said he is “committed” to improving facilities in the area with the move helping to create a permanent home for the library by replacing the “aging” temporary building. 

The school, a Grade II Listed building on Polehampton Close, is owned by the Polehampton Trust – a charity who support residents in need and children’s educational development in the Twyford area. 

“It’s [..] an opportunity to bring this important listed building, at the heart of the village, back into use, giving it a long-term future as a community space,” Cllr Jones added. 

The council is partnering with the Trust to lease the building for 99 years, at a ‘nominal’ rental cost, to ensure it can continue to be used by residents for the foreseeable future. 

READ MORE: Finchampstead War Memorial relocation begins

Chair of the Polehampton Trust, Andrew Cardy, said the charity is “absolutely delighted” that the council has secured the funds for the project after many residents have been campaigning to relocate the library for the past 20 years. 

“This lovely historical listed building in the heart of our wonderful village will now be transformed into a fabulous facility for the wider community. 

“The Polehampton Charity is 300 years old this year and this Library is a fitting reminder of the legacy that Edward Polehampton left the village,” Mr Cardy added. 

READ MORE: Bracknell's Times Square lights up for the Lionesses

With approvals now in place, the council can proceed with entering into the lease so the project can progress and promise to provide a further update on the relocation later in the year. 

Cllr Jones said that providing facilities where residents can gather and feel part of the community is “incredibly important” 

“With everything from access to computers, regular events, books and clubs, children’s activities and the opportunity to borrow books and other resources for free, there will be something for everybody to enjoy,” he added.