Stoke Newington Library restoration begins as Hackney Council approves £2.5m contract

Key Points:

• Hackney Council has awarded a £2.5 million contract to refurbish the Grade II-listed Stoke Newington Library.
• The identity of the contractor has been withheld due to “commercial sensitivities” under the Local Government Act 1972.
• The building has been closed since March 2024 after parts of its roof collapsed and masonry crumbled due to water ingress.
• Remedial works will include roof repairs, masonry conservation, window restoration, and internal redecoration.
• Works are scheduled to begin in June 2025 and last 12 months.
• A scaffolding collapse in April 2025 raised safety concerns, prompting the council to review scaffold security.
• No injuries occurred in the collapse, but a van was struck.
• The project is part of Hackney’s wider effort to preserve historic community buildings.
• The information was first reported by Josef Steen of Hackney Citizen.

Refurbishment of Stoke Newington’s historic library will begin in June 2025, after Hackney Council approved a £2.5 million contract to restore the Grade II-listed site.

Why was Stoke Newington Library closed?

As reported by Josef Steen of Hackney Citizen, Hackney Council shut Stoke Newington Library in March 2024 due to serious structural concerns, including a collapsed roof and crumbling masonry.

Hackney Council’s cabinet member for culture, Cllr Chris Kennedy, said the building was “in such a poor state of repair that it was no longer safe,” largely due to leaking water that caused internal damage and instability.

What is included in the refurbishment contract?

According to documents cited by Hackney Citizen and available via Hackney’s committee reports, the £2.5 million contract (including VAT) covers:

• Full repair and replacement of the flat and slate roofs
• Structural repair of collapsed roof sections
• Double glazing of existing single glazed roof lights
• Refurbishment of sash windows
• Conservation of decorative brickwork and masonry
• Interior redecoration in damaged areas due to water ingress

The contract, which has a net value of £2.16 million, will run for 12 months, with construction set to commence in June 2025.

Who is the contractor and why has their identity been withheld?

The identity of the contractor has not been disclosed due to “commercial sensitivities”, as permitted under the Local Government Act 1972, a decision confirmed by Hackney Council at its Corporate Procurement and Insourcing Committee on 30 April 2025.

What caused the scaffolding collapse in April 2025?

As reported by Josef Steen in Hackney Citizen, a significant safety incident occurred on 16 April 2025 at around 7:30am, when high winds toppled a three-storey scaffolding structure erected at the library site. The structure fell onto a parked van.

Although no injuries were reported, eyewitnesses described a “lucky escape” for the van’s driver, according to Hackney Gazette.

Was the scaffolding related to asbestos removal?

During the procurement meeting, Cllr Kennedy raised concerns about the incident, referencing reports that the scaffolding had been installed for asbestos removal.

However, Hackney Council officer Katie Tomkins clarified that the staging had “nothing to do” with asbestos removers, stating it was installed to protect pedestrians from falling masonry. She assured that the incident is under review.

Tomkins confirmed that future scaffolding would be subject to rigorous design and safety checks involving architects, engineers, and a technical project manager. “We will ensure there’s absolutely no risk of our scaffolds collapsing,” she stated.

What are the long-term goals of the restoration project?

The restoration is part of Hackney Council’s commitment to preserve community heritage assets. Built in 1892, the Victorian-era Stoke Newington Library is Grade II-listed, requiring sensitive conservation to protect its historical value.

The works aim to restore the structural integrity and aesthetic character of the library, ensuring it can reopen safely to the public and continue functioning as a community hub.

Are other services affected?

Library services have been relocated temporarily while the building remains closed. Hackney Council continues to provide updates via its official library services webpage: Hackney Libraries and specific updates on Stoke Newington Library.

What other contracts has Hackney Council awarded for this project?

The library’s restoration is supported by multiple specialist contracts:

• Architectural and design services to develop refurbishment specifications
• A Clerk of Works contract for project oversight
• A £60,000 technical project management contract awarded to Fanshawe
• Related upgrades at Hackney Central Library, including refurbishment and furniture contracts

These steps reflect a broader strategy by the council to modernise and secure its library infrastructure while preserving architectural heritage.