Work to convert a former church in Lichfield into a library and arts centre has been seen first-hand by a Royal visitor.
St Mary’s Centre welcomed His Royal Highness The Duke of Kent last week.
He was shown the results of the £1.5million project to transform the historic building.
The Duke met met staff from the library, members of the team involved in the renovation project and Trustees of the Hub at St Mary’s, before signing a commemorative Visitors’ Book to mark the event.
Staffordshire County Council’s deputy leader Cllr Alan White, who spoke at the event, said: “This investment in St Mary’s put a new library in the heart of the city, supported the trust in its ambitious plans for to be at the heart of the community and safeguarded the future of this magnificent building.
“Since it opened late last year we’ve seen a big increase in people joining the library and many community groups are using the arts space too.
“It’s an outstanding renovation which impresses all who see it and we are all delighted that His Royal Highness should see it for himself.”
“Ready for the next generation to enjoy”
Work on the building, which was constructed in 1870, has included exposing the church’s 19th Century columns, incorporating etched glass screens into the new layout and retaining the altar, choir stalls and pews at the east end in an IT study area.
While one end of the first floor has a balcony overlooking the level below, its central space is occupied by a flexible performance and exhibition space with seating for more than 130 people.
Nick Sedgwick, chairman of the Trustees of the Hub at St Mary’s, said: “The trustees are thrilled to welcome His Royal Highness to our new, award-winning building.
“Since closing in 2017, St Mary’s has been transformed with generous, financial assistance from the county council and many other trusts, Charities and individuals.
“We now have a modern building with a new arts space and excellent library facilities, ready for the next generation to enjoy.”
The new library has more than 15,000 books, computers, free wi-fi access and children’s reading area and the number of visits has doubled compared to the previous venue.
The Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) selected the project as the best building conservation in the West Midlands for 2019.
