WORK on the £2million controversial development of Christchurch Library has begun following the departure of Kelly’s Kitchen.

The building, in the High Street is to be completely refurbished and extended into the former cafe, which, after years of battling, has made way for the scheme’s brand new children’s area.

Dorset County Council says the library is one of the county’s busiest, with thousands of visitors each week.

However, they claim there is a severe lack of space for study, seating, events and children’s activities.

The new Kelly’s Kitchen, at the former Jarvis Radio premises just yards from the library, is due to open this week.

The library project, which is being undertaken by Morgan Sindall, will increase the public library space by 60 per cent and will see internal and external changes.

The front façade of the former cafe will be remodelled to remove the picture windows and canopies, which will be replaced with a design similar to the original building.

And the existing shop front windows will be swapped with two display windows.

Plans to replace the brick boundary wall in the garden at the rear with the external wall of the new extension will see the new space turned into a “teenage zone” called Headspace. This is being developed in consultation with youngsters in the borough.

The county council’s adult services will relocate from their existing premises in Bargates with classrooms, an IT suite and offices on the first and second floors.

There will also be space within the building for meeting areas for local community groups.

Work will be carried out in two main phases and expected to open in Spring 2013.

It is hoped the library will remain open during most of the work although there will be two short periods of closure, one in November or December and the other just before the opening in Spring 2013.

Hilary Cox, cabinet member for community services said: “These changes will provide a much larger, fit-for-purpose library, together with improved learning and community facilities.”

Town centre ward councillor Peter Hall said: “This is an excellent move because Christchurch library is the second busiest library in the county.

“The £2million extension will bring the size of the library close to what it should be.

“It is something we can all be exceptionally proud of.

“This considerable investment in Christchurch shows that county are investing in the town.”

• The county council has been working for years to extend the town centre library.

Kelly’s Kitchen’s lease expired in 2003 but the cafe have vigorously fought the plans for the extension since then, arguing there were other options rather than expanding into the restaurant.

However, after numerous planning applications and a High Court judicial review, which was awarded in the county council’s favour, the library plans are finally getting underway.

In 2010/11 there were 220,000 visitors to the library.

Other improvements

• Improvement in book stock.

• New “chillout” zone with quick choice books, information displays and an area for use of snacks and drinks vending machines.

• Comfortable space for people to browse read and use facilities.

• Revamped study and reference area including computers.

• Increase in choice and size of accommodation to be hired by local community groups.

• Improved lighting and new flooring.

• New public toilets and access to ground, first and second floors with installation of a lift.