Bid for £500,000 to transform seaside library
Betty Longbottom/GeographA bid for £500,000 has been submitted for a major programme of improvements to a seaside town's library.
Redcar and Cleveland Council hopes the application to the Arts Council's Library Improvement Fund will pay for repairs and upgrades to Saltburn Library.
The council said the funding, if granted, would cover roof repairs, improvements to the building's exterior, replacement windows and doors, and mechanical and electrical upgrades.
The plans also include a reconfigured layout, an upgraded garden, new spaces for community use and new furniture and equipment.
'Full support'
A council spokeswoman said the bid had been developed with architects, the council's project management team and quantity surveyors to ensure the amount requested reflected the scope and estimated cost of the work.
"Although the amount may appear significant for a smaller library, the application covers a comprehensive programme of improvements," she said.
Saltburn councillor Stuart Smith said the library, on Windsor Road, was well used and ward councillors "fully supported" the bid.
But the council warned that competition for the funding was fierce.
The spokeswoman said: "This is a highly competitive grant programme, and we expect to be notified of the outcome in March 2027."
She added that "nothing is certain yet".
