THIS contemporary design could herald a new chapter in the history of Gravesend’s town centre library.

The redevelopment designs were unveiled last Thursday at a community consultation evening with Tunbridge Wells-based architects Burns Guthrie.

Around 30 people turned up to give their views on the £2.5million redevelopment in Windmill Street.

District manager for Gravesham Libraries Christoph Bull said: “The feeling was that everyone was in favour of an absolutely necessary project.”

Not only will the Grade II listed building undergo a major internal refurbishment but planning permission is being sought to demolish and re-build the adjoining building, which houses the reference library and local studies.

The project team will collate all comments and ideas from the consultation evening and these will be built into the planning process.

More consultations will be held over the coming months both in the library and at outside venues such as schools and shopping centres.

Plans will remain on display in Gravesend Library.

KCC is anticipating work will begin in early 2009 and be completed towards the end of 2010.

A temporary library will be put into place while work is carried out.

What do you think of the artist impressions? Do you like the modern features of do you think it will be too contemporary for a heritage town?

Write to us at Gravesend Messenger, 7 High Street, Gravesend, Kent, or email gravesendmessenger@thekmgroup.co.uk