It began on Monday (10 March 2014), starting with the refurbishment of the Grade II listed building which currently houses Low Hill Library.
Once finished, the community hub, will bring a number of services already available at the site on Kempthorne Avenue, Low Hill - including the library, community centre, children's centre and nursery.
The first phase of the work will focus on modernising the library building, with extensive work to the wiring and heating system. There will also be internal alterations while improved IT equipment and new self service facilities will be installed.
To enable this work to take place, the library has been relocated to a temporary home in the community centre just around the corner. The temporary library continues to offer a good selection of books as well as two PCs for public use, and any items not held in the temporary collection can be ordered into branch.
Also during the first phase of work, a new community garden will be developed in Jenks Road, linking the library to the children's centre and nursery.
Phase 1 is scheduled to finish in June, when the library will reopen in its permanent home and extensive renovation work will begin to modernise the children's centre and the community centre.
The children's centre will be remodelled to provide additional space from which to offer services to two year olds, while the community centre's main hall will be sub divided and redecorated. This work will not require the relocation of services or affect the operation of the nursery.
Councillor Elias Mattu, Wolverhampton City Council's Cabinet Member for Leisure and Communities, said: "The hub will enable the people of Low Hill to access a wide range of services from under one roof.
"I'm pleased that we've had the support of community leaders and partners, particularly Low Hill Community Association, in the development of these proposals, and I'd particularly like to thank the community association for their support in creating a temporary home for the library while the first phase of the work is carried out.
"We will be working hard to keep any disruption to an absolute minimum and we are looking forward to welcoming people into the finished hub when it opens its doors for the first time towards the end of the year."
Tony Blakeway, Chairman of Low Hill Community Association, said: "The development of the Low Hill Community Hub over the coming months will be challenging - but it is also very exciting.
"We are all looking forward to the improved premises and to developing new ways of working with our partners, strengthening relationships and offering greater opportunities and services for all local residents and agencies."
- released: Friday 14 March, 2014