Multi-million pound joint venture delivers new Library and Cinema in West Norwood
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2018-11-07 Photo © Magnus Andersson A sneak peek at the new West Norwood Library and adjoining Picture House Cinema which will officially open on Friday (Nov 9th). In attendance were councillors Sonia Winifred, Jane Pickard and Jenny Brathwaite. Also there were school children from Julian's Primary School who attended a free screening.
Lambeth’s brand new library-come-cinema in West Norwood is already proving hugely popular with local residents, after a multi-million pound joint venture between the council and Picturehouse.
The town centre library and four-screen cinema opened in November last year in a completely remodelled former library building owned by Lambeth Council.
Picturehouse contributed £3m towards the almost £6.5m costs of the project, in return for a rent-free period at the beginning of their lease.
The library delivers a fantastic facility for local residents with a huge stock of regularly updated books, IT facilities and free Wifi, reading equipment for people with disabilities, a dedicated children’s library, increased opening times and regular activities for all ages.
Cllr Sonia Winifred, Lambeth Cabinet Member for Equalities & Culture, said: “I’m delighted that West Norwood Library is now open, it looks wonderful and is a fantastic asset for the community.”
The building includes a bar and café, with a relaxed seating area and the cinema has a total of 559 seats across four screens, the biggest of which comfortably seats 221 people and all screens feature state-of-the-art projection and sound.
Clare Binns, Joint Managing Director of Picturehouse, said: “It’s always been important for our cinemas to be at the heart of the neighbourhoods we open in and we’re excited to be working with the West Norwood Library to create a new and vibrant hub for this wonderful community.”
The project is a key element of delivering the vision of the West Norwood Master Plan, and establishing the cultural heart of West Norwood.
Since the library opened, a huge investment was announced to revitalise next-door West Norwood Cemetery with a £4.3m grant from Heritage Lottery Fund topped up by more than £2m from Lambeth Council.