Banbury Library set to move to new home in Castle Quay next year

The council has been looking for a new home for the library since plans to move to the old Wilko store on Bridge Street fell through in 2024.

There were previously plans to move to a location within Castle Quay, but those fell through when the council couldn’t come to an agreement with Oxfordshire County Council, which manages library services.

The new library is set to open by the end of 2027 and will be ‘larger and more accessible’ according to the district council.

Cllr David Hingley, leader of Cherwell District Council, said: “As a big supporter of libraries and their vital role in our communities, I’m delighted to be welcoming Banbury Library into Castle Quay.

“This will provide a larger, more modern space that places the library in the heart of Banbury, which will be a significant cultural investment in our town centre and for our residents to be able to enjoy all the benefits a contemporary library provides.

“In its new, central location, the library will add to the cultural vibrancy of the town as a hub for education, leisure and social connection. This move reflects our commitment to Castle Quay as a multi-use, community destination and to ensuring Banbury thrives as a place where people want to live, work and visit.”

The new Banbury library forms part of an ongoing project to update Oxfordshire’s libraries, which has seen improvements implemented at several libraries across the county.

Cllr Neil Fawcett, deputy leader of Oxfordshire County Council, said: “Libraries are more than just a place to borrow books. They are community spaces that play a vital role in helping people in everyday life, from getting information and support to a place to socialise.

“The relocation will transform our library provision in Banbury with massively improved facilities, including better digital resources, flexible study areas, and dedicated spaces for community events.

“The new library, which will be more energy efficient and environmentally friendly, will also be designed with accessibility in mind, ensuring that all residents can benefit from its services.”