Following a two-year wait, residents are soon to see the inside of a new library in Willesden.

Brent & Kilburn Times: The library will keep its original facadeThe library will keep its original facade (Image: Archant)

The reading room in the High Road will open its doors on July 27 following its £1million makeover.

The state-of-the-art building contains a new multi purpose cultural hub which includes a library, gallery and exhibition space, a museum and archives and a performance space. A new café will become part of the mix later on.

The development by Brent Council and developer Galliford Try/Linden homes was dogged by controversy when the plans went ahead in February 2013.

Campaigners argued fiercely against the demolition of the library, built in the 1980’s, to replace it with the cultural centre and four blocks of flats, which went on sale in Singapore.

The new library retains an element of the original building to the front.

A grand opening event is scheduled to take place in September, to coincide with the Rugby World Cup trophy visiting Brent.

Residents are being encouraged to get involved in designing the art and cultural programme for the centre, through user groups and workshops.

Councillor James Denselow, lead Member for stronger communities at Brent Council, said: “The Library at Willesden Green will be a building at the heart of its community, in every sense.m“When it opens to the public I’m sure it will quickly become a place full of life and creative energy.

“Being more efficient to run and easy to maintain, it will be able to respond to changing aspirations, offering the spaces and services that the community needs, now and in the future.”