Newton-le-Willows Library Relocation Consultation Questionnaire

Have Your Say

We are seeking the views of library members, residents and visitors on the potential relocation of Newton-le-Willows Library from its current location on Crow Lane to Earlestown Town Hall.

The Case for Relocating Newton Library to Earlestown Town Hall

The proposed relocation of Newton Library to the newly refurbished Earlestown Town Hall represents a significant opportunity to deliver the ambitions of the St Helens Library Strategy 2023-2028, support the regeneration of Earlestown town centre and maximise the use of Council assets. The move would create a modern library service that reflects the evolving role of libraries as centres for learning, digital inclusion, wellbeing, culture and community engagement.

A key benefit of the proposal is the accessibility of the Town Hall. Refurbished to modern standards, the building provides an inclusive environment that is accessible to residents of all ages and abilities, supporting the Library Strategy's objective of widening participation and reducing barriers to access.

The Town Hall occupies a highly sustainable and well-connected location adjacent to Earlestown Bus Station, close to Earlestown railway station and neighbouring public car parking. Its town centre position makes the library easier to access for residents across Newton-le-Willows and surrounding communities while supporting the Masterplan objective of creating a connected and accessible town centre.

The building offers significantly flexible accommodation than the existing Newton Library, enabling the service to expand its offer through reading groups, children's activities, digital skills support, employability sessions, exhibitions, cultural programming, wellbeing initiatives and community events. The flexibility of the space will allow the service to respond to changing community needs and increase opportunities for participation.

The relocation also supports greater partnership working. Co-location within a community-focused building would create opportunities for collaboration with voluntary organisations, educational providers, cultural groups and public services, enabling residents to access a wider range of support, information and activities in a single location.

In addition to library facilities, the Town Hall will provide complementary amenities including a café, community spaces and an attractive outdoor garden area. Together, these facilities will encourage longer visits, informal social interaction and outdoor programming, helping to create a welcoming destination that promotes community cohesion and wellbeing.

The proposal would make a direct contribution to the Earlestown Masterplan Development Framework by bringing a high-profile public service into the heart of the town centre. Located close to Market Square, local businesses and public transport links, the library would generate regular footfall throughout the week, supporting shops, cafés, market traders and other town centre businesses. As one of the town's key public services, it would help reinforce the Town Hall's role as a focal point for community activity and contribute to the long-term vitality of Earlestown.

The relocation also aligns with the Council's Corporate Asset Strategy and Asset Management Plan. By delivering services from a refurbished civic building, the Council would maximise the value of a significant public asset, improve operational efficiency and reduce reliance on maintaining separate facilities. Shared accommodation and infrastructure would support the delivery of a sustainable, fit-for-purpose library service while creating opportunities to review the future use of the existing library building.

Relocating Newton Library to Earlestown Town Hall would deliver a modern, accessible and flexible library service that is better aligned to future community needs. The proposal supports the objectives of the Library Strategy, contributes directly to the regeneration aspirations of the Earlestown Masterplan and reflects the Council's commitment to making best use of its assets. By bringing the library into a prominent town centre location, the Council can strengthen community participation, increase town centre activity and establish a sustainable civic hub that will serve residents for generations to come.

We are keen to hear the views of residents, library users and the wider community on this proposal. Please complete the accompanying survey and share your feedback to help shape the future of library services in Newton-le-Willows and Earlestown.

How we will use your information

St Helens Borough Council is committed to protecting your privacy and handling your personal information in accordance with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018.

The information you provide in this survey will be used by St Helens Borough Council to understand public views and inform future decision-making. Responses will be analysed and reported in an anonymised form wherever possible. Personal information will be processed in accordance with UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018 and will only be used for the purposes of this consultation. For further information about how we use your data, please see the council's Privacy Notice or contact the Data Protection Officer.