Residents invited to give feedback on proposals for well-being hub
RHIWBINA library is to receive investment from Cardiff Council, as part of its commitment to community hubs across the city.
New plans include:
- Improved reception facilities
- Dementia friendly redecorating
- New library shelving
- New seating areas
- Additional meeting space
- Refurbished public toilets which will be more accessible
- Improved IT facilities and Wi-Fi coverage
- Creation of an outdoor space
Funding for the project comes from the Welsh Government’s Integrated Care Fund, which focuses on community care and inclusivity.
Future services at the new hub will include health and well-being activities, which are likely to be in line with the council’s other hubs across the city.
Cabinet member for housing and communities, Lynda Thorne, said: “Building on the success of our community hubs programme, and most recently the transformation of Whitchurch and Rhydypennau libraries, Rhiwbina Library is now set for investment and regeneration that will bring a variety of benefits to the local community.
“Hubs provide more services and better services in a joined-up way. As well as a modern and sustainable library service, our plans will have a strong focus on health and wellbeing. Local people will be able to make so much more of this fantastic asset at the heart of the community, with improvements to the building and the services we deliver.”
The future of Rhiwbina Library has been in doubt in recent years. In 2015, residents voted in favour of keeping the library open after it was proposed that the council would cut its funding.
Jayne Cowan, councillor for Rhiwbina, said she and her ward colleagues Adrian Robson and Oliver Owen were pleased that funding had been allocated to secure the library’s future.
“It is one of the very busiest libraries in the city. We are pleased to have had reassurances that the numbers of books on offer won’t reduce. We are urging residents to get in touch with us to discuss the plans as we want to ensure the services which are proposed are welcomed and needed in the community,” she added.
The consultation period ends on March 3 after which the plans will be adjusted based on community feedback before the final plan is submitted later this spring.
Residents wishing to give feedback should send their contact details to neighbourhoodregeneration@cardiff.gov.uk and request a call back.
