A library and community centre costing over £5 million has finally opened to the public in Swinton.
The Swinton Gateway was delayed by over a year but will open its doors today, Monday 20 July, for the first time.
Modelled on the fashionable ‘all-in-one’ buildings which have replaced libraries in large towns in Salford, health services, children’s activities and council services will all be run out of the former council adult services centre on Chorley Road.
The former adult services centre at Crompton House in Swinton
Four generations of readers will celebrate the opening of the library this morning.
Eileen Kilbourn, 59, from Swinton, was delighted to see the new library throw open its doors for a new generation of readers.
“I have always loved books,” said Eileen.
“It’s a great way to escape and experience new adventures.”
She learned from mum Bridget, 86, and has now passed on the love of reading to her daughter Katie, 32, and grandson Luke, age 2.
“We have all been members of the library for as long as I can remember and I have been coming to the story rhymetime sessions for years, first with my nephew, James, and now with Luke, who also loves it.
“I have always read to my children at bedtime and encouraged them to read as many books as possible. My enjoyment has rubbed off on Katie and Luke and I am sure it will be a lifetime obsession for them too.”
The building will be open from 8.30am to 6pm Monday to Friday and on Saturdays from 9am to 1pm initially,
In addition to the ground floor library with public access computers and free wi-fi, there will be an exhibition space and community meeting rooms, as well as office space.
The second floor will house a new NHS clinic, providing outpatient facilities for Salford Royal and a new home for Swinton Clinic including sexual health services, community nursing, speech and language therapy and child immunisations, among others.
City West Housing Trust will also have a new office base at the Gateway, offering services for its customers in a one-stop shop.
It’s been paid for by Salford Clinical Commissioning Group.
Speaking of the new development, chief executive of Salford Community Leisure Steve Hassall said: “When so many libraries around the country are facing closure it is wonderful to see a new library coming to Salford.
“Swinton Library will be an important facility for the area, not just as a lending library but also as a great place for the community to get together.”
Salford City Mayor, Ian Stewart, added: “Gateway centres have been very successful and extremely popular with the public of Salford because they bring together vital public services.
“I’m delighted that the residents of Swinton will soon be able to enjoy their own Gateway. It’s part of massive new investment in Swinton, with the regeneration of the shopping centre and I hope it encourages even more investment and economic activity.”
Health services are expected to open at Swinton Gateway in September 2015.
