Peterborough Central Library to be relocated for renovation

Peterborough City Council has announced plans to temporarily relocate Central Library during the works, with Northminster House proposed as a temporary site while the building undergoes a major 12-month refurbishment set to begin in December 2026.

Cllr Zameer Ali, cabinet member for communities and public safety, said: "It is absolutely essential that we continue to offer a city centre library service to our residents to maintain access to books, study space, computers, our archive service and community activities while Central Library is being renovated.

"Libraries are such a key and well-loved community service.

"The Central Library refurbishment will transform what is a very outdated library into a modern library building that our residents and visitors can enjoy.

"Because of the extent of the remodelling works the building will be closed for around 12 months so it is essential we find a new temporary home for our city centre library services."

A Cabinet Member Decision Notice published on Friday, July 3, proposes using about £167,000 in council reserves to secure an 18-month lease on Northminster House for the temporary library relocation.

The refurbishment project, partly funded by the Government’s Towns Fund, forms part of The Vine—an initiative to create new learning, business, and social spaces across Peterborough.

Once complete, the library will offer an improved digital library service and more modern, welcoming spaces for the local community and visitors.

The council says the transformation will help future-proof the 1980s building and meet the needs of the community for years to come.

If the decision is approved, Peterborough will continue to have a city centre library during the closure.

Cllr Ali said: "This notice is asking for approval to start negotiations and proceed with a lease agreement for Northminster House, which is also in the city centre and is just a five-minute walk from the current library."

The council said that while archive stores will remain at Central Library during the refurbishment, staff will continue to have controlled access via the contractor.

The public-facing archive service is expected to move to Northminster House for the duration of the works.

The Central Library upgrade forms part of a wider regeneration programme, including the refurbishment of Peterscourt on City Road and the former railway Goods Shed at Fletton Quays under The Vine scheme.

These projects aim to create modern, accessible spaces across Peterborough for business, learning, and community activities.