Museum and library services are finally set to reopen in Newport city centre after a seven-month closure. Central Library, Museum and Art Gallery in John Frost Square closed back in July 2022 but will reopen to the public at the end of the month.
The building was shut to undergo work to transform it into an 'information hub' last summer with a temporary pop-up library created at the nearby Kingsway Centre. Now Newport City Council has confirmed work has completed including new meeting rooms for residents, increased accessibility and a "brighter and more welcoming" foyer.
Face-to-face teams from customer services, housing and appointeeships will be based in John Frost Square from Monday, February 27, while the library will reopen a day later. Customer services will initially be open on three days a week but with different opening times.
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An improved local studies section has also been created for those interested in local history and family trees and the museum is also hosting a exhibition demonstrating Newport’s rich musical legacy over 40 years, funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund and led by Winding Snake Productions.
Councillor Jane Mudd, leader of Newport City Council, said: “Residents will be able to access a range of council services in a much more accessible venue in the heart of the city centre, close to the bus station and car parks. It makes much better use of a council-owned building and the work to accommodate extra services has included new rooms where meetings can be held with residents in comfortable and confidential surroundings.
“A much brighter and more welcoming foyer has been created. I’m also pleased that Urban Circle has won funding to create some unique artwork within the building and I look forward to seeing that taking shape over the coming weeks.”
The opening times for the building are as follows:
- Central Library: Tuesday-Friday, 9am-5.30pm. Saturday 9am-4pm
- Museum, Art Gallery and Local Studies: Tuesday to Friday, 9.30am-5pm. Saturday 9.30am-4pm
- Customer Services: Monday 10am-4pm; Wednesday 12pm-6pm; Friday 8am-2pm.
- Housing: Monday-Friday, 9am-1pm and 2pm-5pm
- Appointeeships: Monday and Friday 10am-1pm and 2pm-5pm
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