Nottingham library will host council service centre

Work has begun on a £2m refurbishment of Nottingham's main library to include a new service centre for the public.

The project to link the Angel Row building with a nearby shopping site should be completed by the end of 2010.

The service centre will replace the facility at the Guildhall, Burton Street, which is being sold along with five other council sites.

Council staff have begun moving from these buildings into the former Capital One site near the train station.

The new customer centre will offer council tax and benefits advice as well as access to payment services.

Councillor David Trimble, from Nottingham City Council, said: "This project represents significant investment to the library and will be of benefit to both library and contact centre visitors.

"We will create a modern, welcoming and comfortable environment for our citizens and our staff but some temporary disruption to service is inevitable."

Other buildings being sold are Lawrence House on Talbot Street, Severn's House on Middle Pavement, the Exchange Buildings, the Isabella Street offices off Castle Road and the Sandfield Centre off Derby Road.

The council has declined to say how much it hoped to raise for commercial reasons.

The Guildhall has been earmarked as a base for energy group E.On.