By Local Democracy Reporter, Harrison Galliven
Croydon’s four recently closed library buildings are set to get a new lease of life as community hubs.
Mayor Jason Perry announced the plans during his recent State of the Borough address, outlining how each site will support preventative services for local residents.
The libraries at Broad Green, Bradmore Green, Sanderstead, and Shirley were closed to save costs and streamline the council’s services. The council cited data showing that fewer than 10% of residents were actively using local library services.
Since 2019, Croydon’s libraries have seen reduced opening hours and budget cuts totalling £800,000. All four buildings had become recognised local landmarks, and news of their potential closure sparked strong community campaigns in response.
Despite this, the four libraries closed on November 7, 2024, with permanent staff offered the opportunity to transfer to one of the borough’s nine remaining libraries. Opening hours at those libraries were extended back from the limited two or three-day-a-week service they had been offering.
The council pledged to retain the four buildings for community use rather than sell them. Now, local organisations are stepping in to transform the spaces into centres for support, education, and wellbeing. Mayor Perry named the groups taking over the buildings during Wednesday night’s annual council meeting.
Broad Green’s purpose-built library will become the new home of the Asian Resource Centre. Founded in Croydon in 1999, the charity works with Asian communities and businesses and promotes community engagement and wellbeing.
Bradmore Green Library in Coulsdon is set to be repurposed for Bluebells Preschool, which currently provides early years education nearby on Chipstead Valley Road.
The 1936-built Sanderstead Library will now be home to The Story Sanctuary, a creative health and wellbeing centre. Founder Jill Finch hopes the new space will continue to meet the needs of the local community, as the library once did.
In her proposal for the site, she wrote: “The Story Sanctuary will collaborate with diverse groups of local and wider Croydon residents, community groups and creative organisations on an intersectional and intergenerational programme of multidisciplinary participatory arts and play, collectively creating a place of living stories, joy and possibility, supported by a modest community café, events, and venue hire.”
Finally, Shirley’s art deco library will house Play Place, a group that offers nursery, preschool, and after-school services across Croydon and Kent.
“These partnerships are restoring life to cherished local buildings,” said Mayor Perry. “But more importantly, helping residents access the services they need close to home.”
The council is working with voluntary and community groups to ensure a smooth and sustainable transition.
PICTURE: Harrison Galliven/LDRS
