New home for Kirkby Library

Kirkby Library could be moving into the Council’s new build on Ellis Street if plans are approved.

Subject to approvals, it is proposed that Kirkby Library relocates into the ground floor of the new apartment complex that is soon to be built on Ellis Street, Kirkby. The move would see a state-of-the-art library and learning centre, offering a significant improvement for customers and learners, increasing the services to include more community activity, courses and cultural programming.

The apartment complex is due to start construction in the coming weeks and will create 20 quality homes in the town centre, bringing life to a derelict site. The proposed library move would complement the new homes, reinvigorating the town centre around Kirkby Plaza with a higher footfall.

The library has been in the current building for 60 years and cannot grow the service due to the constraints of the property. If the plans go ahead, Nottinghamshire County Council will review the use of the current building.

Cllr Matthew Relf, Executive Lead for Growth, Regeneration and Local Planning, at Ashfield District Council said

“If the proposal gets the green light, it will be a great move for the Council and Inspire, bringing living and learning together in one place. The new building has always been about regeneration and bringing life and community use to the space around the plaza, and the Library is a perfect tenancy for this purpose.”

Peter Gaw CEO of Inspire said:

“We have a strong track record of delivering inspiring new and refurbished libraries across Nottinghamshire in partnership with the County Council. This investment underpins our ability to deliver services that can make a real impact to individuals and communities. This proposed scheme is a great opportunity to design a new community space that will be something that makes a real difference to the town centre and that the people of Kirkby can be proud of."

Posted on 20 July 2026