Library relocates as work set to start at Nicholson

Leek's library will be moving to Moorlands House on a temporary basis whilst the building works to improve facilities at the Nicholson Institute take place.

The library, managed by Staffordshire County Council, will close at 4pm on Saturday 13 September and re-open in the reception area at the neighbouring Moorlands House on Monday 29 September. Opening hours for the library will remain the same.

The move follows the temporary closure of the District Council run museum and art gallery. It signals the start of the main works to restore the lower ground floor to public use for the first time in many years, and to refresh and repurpose the library and museum to offer cultural facilities that are fit for the future.

Specialist conservation work to restore the murals on the north and south walls of the Nicholson Institute, by respected Leek artist Robert Timmins, is already underway.

Councillor Matt Swindlehurst, Cabinet Member for Leisure and Tourism, said: "It's exciting to see the main work starting on this project to breathe new life into the Nicholson Institute - the final part of the multi-million-pound regeneration of Leek town centre.

"The improvements we're making at the Nicholson will ensure that the people of the Moorlands, and those that come and visit us, have a chance to experience our heritage and history both in the building itself and in the new-look museum where we'll be showcasing the collection and artefacts - many of which relate to the town's past as a centre of silk making."

Hayley Coles, Staffordshire County Council's Cabinet Member for Communities and Culture, said: "We're delighted to see the restoration and improvement works really starting to take shape at the building.

"Local residents have been closely engaged throughout the process, and there's a real sense of excitement about the transformation taking place.

"Once complete, I'm confident the community will be proud of the results.

"In the meantime, the temporary library at nearby Moorlands House will welcome residents."

The Nicholson works follow the highly successful renovation of Leek's indoor markets, which re-opened last year, and the redevelopment of the leisure and wellness centre in Brough Park which is set to open next year.

Published on 29 August 2025