Churchill Place facility is undergoing a £1.45million refurbishment to ensure it caters for locals’ needs
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“A long, long time ago, I used to work as a senior coordinator for a nursery school, so this brought back memories,” said Cllr Maium Talukdar.
Tower Hamlets Council’s deputy mayor and cabinet member for education, youth and lifelong learning, recently attended morning Story Time at a temporary pop-up children’s library at Idea Store Canary Wharf.
His visit, aside from lending a pretty decent impression of a bear to proceedings, was aimed at drawing attention to works currently underway to improve the facility.
Canary Wharf Group is spending £1.2million on its refurbishment with a further £250,000 contributed towards the project from the council.
“We’re grateful to Canary Wharf Group – it’s not just us doing this, it’s a partnership – and I’m hoping this will be a very popular facility,” said Cllr Talukdar.
“Lots of families and children will use it and it will make a huge difference to the area.
“I think what’s here is changing – 10 or 15 years ago, Canary Wharf was very different, but I think different communities are coming in now and getting involved.
“They are using the shopping centres and this Idea Store. Lots of people are benefiting from that.
“When this refurbishment is complete, I think this facility will be one of the best in Tower Hamlets – it will have everything.
“This place is for everybody – all ages – and we hope as many people as possible will come and use it.”
making the changes at Idea Store Canary Wharf
The refurbishment is being undertaken by contractor Built.
The firm’s commercial lead, Thomas Howe, said: “It’s a full mechanical and electrical upgrade.
“There will be new flooring, new wall configurations, a fresh set of ceilings and it will be a much more user-friendly space.
“We’re increasing the floorspace and installing new joinery that’s more space efficient.
“We’re still awaiting the final layout, but increasing the ceiling height is a big thing for us.
“We’ll have fresh sets of data cabling, with new technology and computers for people to use.
“It’s really important to maximise the space for the kids here so they are able to enjoy stories and bang drums in a nice new environment.”
The fit-out will include new heating, cooling, ventilation and lighting, with completion expected before the end of the year.
A spokesperson for Canary Wharf Group said: “Our involvement in the refurbishment of Idea Store Canary Wharf represents our ongoing dedication to creating an inclusive neighbourhood where learning opportunities are made accessible for all.
“We’re proud to support a facility that combines traditional library services with lifelong learning opportunities in the heart of the Wharf.”
Story Time sessions are already popular on the Wharf, attracting some 10,158 visitors over the past year.
In August alone, 188 people attended Story Time Up On The Roof at Crossrail Place Roof Garden.
Idea Stores are for Tower Hamlets residents of all ages offering a wide range of services including adult learning courses, activities and events.
Full details of these can be found here
key details: Idea Store Canary Wharf
Idea Store Canary Wharf is currently closed for refurbishment with a limited pop-up library operating next door to the site.
Services currently being offered include Story Time for under 5s, which runs from 10.30am-11am, Monday-Saturday. Sessions are free to attend.
The refurbishments works are expected to be completed before the end of the year.
Find out more about the facility here
Read more: How Canary Wharf has enjoyed its strongest year for office leasing in a decade
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