Work to start on site replacing Cornerstone roof

21 March 2025

Following the appointment of Messenger as the contractor, works will start on the site in Kettering from early April to replace the Grade 2 listed roof.

During April, scaffolding will start to go up on site, alongside a temporary roof to cover the building.
Whilst this work is happening, there will be some disruption on Sheep Street. There will be short term restrictions on Sheep Street including road closures for a week to allow a crane on site to lift the scaffolding into place. Once the scaffolding is up, the crane will be removed, and Sheep Street will be open to vehicles as usual with pedestrian access to be maintained throughout the project, albeit there will be localised pedestrian diversions along Sheep Street.

Due to the nature of the project, hoardings will be installed around the building with access maintained for the entrance into the temporary library, but residents are advised to follow all signage and staff advice on site to stay safe. North Northamptonshire Council are liaising with Kettering Town Council and the Royal British Legion on any impact and disruption around the war memorials, which will need to be protected whilst work is ongoing.

Residents should be assured that both Messenger and North Northamptonshire Council are making every effort to minimise disruption throughout the duration of the project - which is expected to take just over a year to complete. 

Once work on replacing the slates begins, Messenger will be using a mixture of new, and where possible, reclaimed Collyweston slates on the roof.

The library remains temporarily relocated in the upper floor of the modern extension of Cornerstone for the foreseeable future and the library team continue to offer a full range of services and group activities.

A full timeline of the project works will shortly be published on the Cornerstone website and further updates will be published as the project progressed.