The project is a partnership between Lambeth Council and Picturehouse Cinemas, and will deliver a brand new town centre library with:
- A huge stock of regularly updated books
- IT facilities and free Wifi
- Full access and reading equipment for people with disabilities
- Dedicated children’s area
- Increased opening times (54 hours a week, up from 42 currently)
- Full time library staff
- Regular activities for all ages
The cinema, run by Picturehouse, will have four screens showing all the latest films, alongside a bar and café area.
Word from the Cabinet
Cllr Sonia Winifred, Cabinet Member for Equalities & Culture, said: “I’m delighted that the West Norwood Library and Picturehouse is opening.
“It is going to provide the local community with a wonderful resource for learning, culture and entertainment, with a fully stocked and staffed town centre library with excellent facilities and technology alongside a cinema and bar, with community meeting space and employment opportunities.
“It’s taken a little longer than we had hoped but now it’s now ready to enjoy. It really is a huge piece of West Norwood social life will makes the area an even better place to live.”
‘Vibrant hub’
Clare Binns, Joint Managing Director of Picturehouse, said: “It’s always been important for our cinemas to be at the heart of the neighbourhoods we open in and we’re excited to be working with the West Norwood Library to create a new and vibrant hub for this wonderful community.
“I hope Norwood residents will come and enjoy great cinema, explore the library and relax in our cafe, bar and restaurant.”
State-of-the-art
West Norwood Library and Picturehouse is a remodelling of the admired modernist building, featuring a new community room, hot food restaurant, cafe and bar for visitors of both the library and cinema. There are a total of 559 seats across four screens, the biggest of which comfortably seats 221 people and all screens feature state-of-the-art projection and sound.
As well as creating approximately 25 new jobs, the venue will see increased opening times and library facilities. There will also be ample space for visitor bicycles to be locked up.
West Norwood Library and Picturehouse is fully wheelchair accessible with a lift and 3 disabled parking bays. Every screen will have an infrared system to play audio-described tracks (when provided by the film’s distributor). This offers voice commentary, through headphones provided, which describes the film to those who would benefit.
Visit the Lambeth Libraries webpage to become a member – for free!
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For all the latest on film screenings and special events run by Picturehouse, follow West Norwood Picturehouse on Twitter and Facebook
