HRH Duke of Gloucester officially reopens Alfred East Gallery and Kettering Library

11 November 2026

The Alfred East Gallery and Kettering Library received a very special guest yesterday (Tuesday 10 November) when His Royal Highness, The Duke of Gloucester, visited.

Before unveiling a plaque and officially reopening the site, His Royal Highness toured the site initially being greeted by the Chairman of the Council, the council’s Chief Executive and Mayor of Kettering before meeting with the various teams and stakeholders who have been involved in the project.

Throughout the tour, His Royal Highness met with staff from the Library, Art Gallery and BIPC, as well as the Chair of the Friends of the Library and Chair of the Friends of the Art Gallery and Museum to hear about the site, renovations and day-to-day work. Representatives from the roof replacement project, including contractor Messenger and the project’s architects, spoke through the work that has been completed to give the building another 100 - 120 years of life.

The re-opening follows an extensive programme of work including the replacement of both the Library and Art Gallery roofs and works to install a new two-storey extension to the rear of the building, the is now fully open for the first time in 6 years.

These past few years have not been easy, between Covid-19 and building renovations, but our staff have worked tirelessly to keep these services running for our community. The Library's work has been nothing short of incredible, continuing to deliver the universal Library offer and open access to books, learning, and culture for everyone.

The Alfred East Gallery, too, has an opportunity to inspire through art, and even while closed, it delivered an award-winning outreach programme that took creativity out into the community when it was needed most.

Looking ahead, with exciting plans for the museum, these connected spaces have a real opportunity to become a catalyst- bringing culture, heritage and learning together, and creating even greater impact for the people of Kettering for years to come.Cllr Martin Griffiths, Leader of the Council

The Alfred East Gallery is open 10am - 4pm, Tuesday to Saturday.

Kettering Library is open 9am - 6pm, Monday to Friday and 9am to 5pm on Saturdays.