Kettering museum, library and gallery redevelopment

The library building is closed for health and safety reasons as water ingress has caused parts of the ceiling to collapse.

Testing and surveys have been carried out to measure the damage and understand the work required to reopen safely. We are continuing to survey and monitor the building.

Roof replacement

The library roof is a 120 years old and needs to be completely replaced. The library has a listed status which means work must be carried out on a like-for-like basis by replacing the roof with Collyweston stone slate.

It is proposed that the building is covered in a specially designed, purpose-built tent to make it watertight. This will allow the library to open safely again while the specialised roof works are undertaken.

Current costings for the value of the entire project are estimated at £6.8m and a timeframe of 2 years has been proposed to complete all works.

Timeline

Timeline for works:

• Site start - Monday 14 April 2025
• Scaffolding started - Friday 25 April 2025
• Library roof strip and replace begins - Monday 11 August 2025
• Art gallery roof strip and replace begins - Thursday 25 September 2025
• Remove scaffolding - Saturday 6 June 2026
• Complete project - Wednesday 5 August 2026

Last updated 05 June 2026