Following the investment and transformation of the ground floor space at the Kirkby Centre into a post-16 education provision for Alt Bridge School, called the Lloyd Newcombe Centre, further investment is now planned for essential heating and air conditioning work in the building.
The heating and air conditioning system is currently ineffective and repairs to the system have so far been unsuccessful, so a complete replacement is now needed. This will ensure that an efficient and temperature-controlled environment can be delivered ahead of the winter period, which will also support the delivery of warm hubs in all libraries during the winter period.
This will mean a temporary closure of the building, but the Lloyd Newcombe Centre will not be impacted by these works as the heating system in the area occupied by the centre was upgraded as part of the ground floor transformation programme.
The council is doing everything it can to minimise the impact to users of the Kirkby Library and Kirkby Gallery. Alternative locations are being identified so that access to the activities delivered from the building can be maintained. Services and support are also available in the borough’s other libraries located in Halewood, Huyton, Prescot and Stockbridge Village. Further information about library services in Knowsley can be found here. Residents can also access the library’s home delivery service. Further information can be found here.
The Archive Service, located in Kirkby Library, will continue to provide online support.
Together We Care services will be temporarily relocated to an alternative location while the works are undertaken and the service will liaise directly with families directly.
Cllr Jayne Lonergan, Cabinet Member for Resources, said “It’s really important that we ensure our buildings, and the services that are provided from them, are pleasant and welcoming spaces. We know that there has been issues with the heating system in the Kirkby Centre and to ensure that everyone has a pleasant experience when visiting or working in this building, we are investing in a new heating system.
“I appreciate that there will be some temporary disruption with services being delivered from different locations, but importantly, we have done everything we can to make alternative arrangements so that services will continue to be delivered.
“This short period of temporary disruption will have a positive impact and deliver benefits in the long run.
“Thank you for your patience and understanding whilst these essential works are completed.”
Works are expected to take place between September 2026 and December 2026. As the design progresses and the programme is finalised, further updates will be shared.