Topping out marks major milestone for new Wymondham Library

Added: 06/05/2008
Category: Norfolk County Council

A major milestone in the creation of Wymondham's new library was reached today at a topping out ceremony to mark the completion of the building's superstructure.

Funded by Norfolk County Council's Library and Information Service, the £2 million library, next to the town's Central Hall, is set to open its doors to library users this autumn.

Double the size of the current library at Becket's Chapel, it will house at least 5000 more books, as well as more computers.

At the ceremony, which took place this morning, Daniel Cox, Leader of the County Council, and Jennifer Holland, Head of Norfolk's Library and Information Service, poured a bottle of bubbly over the roof to signify the topping out.

They were joined by special guests from Norfolk's town, district and county councils, Wymondham community groups and representatives from NPS Property Consultants Ltd, the building's designers, and construction company Morgan Ashurst.

The state-of-the-art building is the result of successful partnership working to ensure the community's library remains in the town centre.

John Gretton, Cabinet Member for Cultural Services at Norfolk County Council, said: "There is tremendous excitement among the people of Wymondham about the town's new library and we have already had lots of positive feedback.

"Well done to all involved in completing the superstructure we see today. I would like to congratulate the professionalism of the contractors and their smooth running of operations during construction.

"As a result, we can all look forward to a library that is on-track to open in the autumn, and although we have a little while to go yet, I know it will be worth the wait."

Jennifer Holland, Norfolk County Council's Head of Libraries and Information, said: "I am delighted that work to our new library is progressing so well. The topping out marks an important milestone and gives us an exciting taste of what's to come - an excellent new facility for the benefit of the whole community."

NPS Architect, Michael Cant, said: "Our aim was to create a unique and distinctive contemporary building with the use of warm, natural and local materials. The building features brick and flint panelling which picks up on the characteristic local brick and flint walling that can be found nearby, while full height windows create a feeling of light and space, and give excellent views of Wymondham Abbey and the surrounding area."

Gavin Napper, Morgan Ashurst Area Director for Norwich, said: “Wymondham's new library is really beginning to take shape now and we hope the local community will continue watching its progress over the coming months.”