A warm welcome for all – upgrades to Basingstoke Discovery Centre to support residents this winter

The library will be undergoing a range of improvements to create more open, flexible spaces for community use and a brand-new children’s library bringing reading to life for young visitors.  

The changes also form part of wider improvements across a number of Hampshire libraries, which will support the delivery of ‘Warm and Welcome’ events and a range of drop-in workshops this winter. Funded by the Government’s Household Support Fund, these events will provide practical advice and support for residents struggling with energy bills and the cost of living, and courses to help residents improve their digital skills, cook healthy meals on a budget, and manage household finances. 

Councillor Steve Forster, the County Council’s Cabinet Member for Education, oversees libraries as part of his remit. He said: “Our libraries are warm and welcoming space where visitors can select great reads, connect with others, learn and grow their skills, and access vital support. The upcoming work at Basingstoke Discovery Centre will further cement its place as a hub of the community, unlocking even more opportunities for residents to meet other library users and organisations offering valuable information and advice. I encourage partners and organisations supporting residents to visit the library to discuss how they may be able to make use of these new community spaces to enhance their work.” 

To allow the refurbishments to take place, the library will be closed for a short period from 28 November to 3 December 2025. No overdue fees will be charged for items due back during this time. 

The upcoming improvements come alongside additional plans agreed today to move Hampshire County Council staff currently based at Dame Mary Fagan House in Chineham, into Basingstoke Discovery Centre from July next year. This will bring frontline staff closer to the communities they serve, further establishing the library as a one-stop-shop for local residents.  

The move will be supported by a £1.3 million investment providing additional office space and meeting rooms, while ensuring the dedicated library space is preserved and enhanced. As well as enabling residents to access critical support much closer to home, this will deliver on-going annual revenue savings of £500,000 as the Local Authority modernises and streamlines its office estate.  

It comes as changing work patterns and technology are enabling staff to work more flexibly in the community, meaning that Dame Mary Fagan House is no longer required by the County Council. The building is therefore currently in the process of being sold. 

There will be a second short closure in spring to facilitate these changes, with details to be shared in advance.  

Agreeing the plans, Councillor Kirsty North, Cabinet Member for Universal Services, said: “We want to ensure that our buildings are used efficiently to ensure good value for taxpayers, while also making it easier for people to access the services they need in convenient places, such as libraries that are welcoming and trusted hubs for the local community. I am pleased to approve these plans which represent a strong example of that approach.” 

The Discovery Centre itself – one of the new generation of modern County Council libraries – will continue to occupy the heart of the building, offering traditional book lending alongside digital resources, computers, free Wi-Fi, and community-focused services.  

Visit the Hampshire Libraries website for details of Warm and Welcome events and drop-in workshops taking place across local libraries this winter. 

Partners interested in using new community spaces at Basingstoke Discovery Centre can also email [email protected] or, for other libraries, contact [email protected]