DORSET County Council hopes to start work on Christchurch library as soon as Kelly’s Kitchen closes next year.

An agreement was reached between the county council and the tenants of Kelly’s Kitchen at a hearing last week at Bournemouth and Poole County Court.

The Court made an order by consent, which will see Kelly’s Kitchen vacated at the beginning of March 2012.

The restaurant’s lease expired in 2003.

Dorset County Council wants to redevelop the premises at Christchurch Library to increase the size of the library, incorporating the area of the building currently occupied by Kelly’s Kitchen.

They are also planning on relocating the adult learning centre in Christchurch – currently at the former Magistrates Court in Bargates to the building.

The County Council’s has also appointed their main contractor, Morgan Sindall, who has already started work on the design.

Building work is due to start in March 2012 and the plan is to complete the project by February 2013.

Angus Campbell, county council leader and cabinet member for community services, said: “This is a tremendously important project for the people of Christchurch.

“The library is one of the busiest in Dorset, with 220,000 visitors in 2010/11.

“Libraries are vibrant community buildings, providing leisure and learning opportunities for people of all ages. The funding to do this necessary work is in place.

“This project is something that will give all current residents of Christchurch, and future generations, a much improved quality of library service. The relocation of the adult learning centre will make even better use of the building.”