A brand new Oakengates library has officially opened its doors at 6-8 Limes Walk in the town.

Plans were approved earlier this year for the new facility which is called ‘Turning Pages @ Oakengates Library.’

The Limes Walk units have been completely transformed into a new space for book lovers as part of the wider Oakengates Theatre Quarter project funded by Telford & Wrekin Council.

Oakengates Town Council has taken ownership of the library from Telford & Wrekin Council in a move which will ensure an essential library service continues in Oakengates.

The newly refurbished units were fitted out in March, and the facility includes a refreshment and seating area where people can meet up and socialise, and which can be used by community groups.

The new library is easily accessible with direct frontage onto Limes Walk which looks out onto a new pedestrianised area.

First Point services will also be available at the new library which is a ‘one-stop shop’ for Council and community support.

Services include support with accessing public computers, booking free phone appointments for Council services using the free phone service and assistance with blue badge or concessionary travel applications.

Properties have been demolished to make way for a large public realm area which include a new pedestrianised zone, square and public spaces which adjoin Limes Walk and Market Street.

The square and community spaces, which are being created as part of the Theatre Quarter project, support the wider Telford Theatre plans and are located directly outside the theatre.

The Theatre Quarter works have opened up the rest of Oakengates town, linking this area with Market Street where many other businesses and services are based, as well as becoming a focal point for live events and an enhanced market.

Completion of the first phases of the Theatre Quarter project saw businesses move into transformed retail units which improve the overall appearance of the town centre, with further new businesses set to move in, while apartments above the retail units are now fully let.

Find out more about the Oakengates Theatre Quarter project here.