Shepway Library Is Moving - Here's What Maidstone Residents Can Say About It

Kent County Council wants to hear from Shepway residents before it finalises plans for a new library to replace the current one on Northumberland Road, which is due to be demolished as part of wider regeneration of the area. A six-week engagement period opened on 13 October and runs until Monday 23 November, open to library users, local groups and - via a dedicated activity sheet - children and young people too.

The regeneration driving the library's demolition is the same one already reshaping the surrounding streets: Golding Homes and developer Skillcrown's Fielding Park scheme, which welcomed its first residents to Shepway earlier this month. Rather than lose the library altogether, the council plans to relocate the service into Shepway Youth and Community Centre, folding library, youth and community provision into one building rather than three.

The current library is expected to close in December 2026, with the new one at the Youth and Community Centre opening around March 2027 once building work is finished - though the council stresses both dates are still indicative. In the gap, Kent County Council says it's working to keep residents connected to library services through the nearest alternatives (Madginford, Bearsted, Kent History and Library Centre, and Coxheath), a temporary mobile library stop currently being arranged, the Kent Libraries eLibrary service for e-books and digital titles, and extended return dates for anything already borrowed from Shepway so nothing falls due mid-move.

Feedback from this engagement will shape the design, facilities and activities on offer in the new space - not just whether the move happens, which is already settled. Residents can respond online, via a paper survey available at the current library, or in person at one of three drop-in sessions: Tuesday 27 October (10am-12pm), Saturday 14 November (10am-12pm) and Thursday 19 November (3pm-5pm), all at the current Shepway Library.

Richard Palmer, Kent County Council's Cabinet Member for Communities and Regulatory Services, said: “Shepway Library is an important part of the local community, providing access to books, information, digital services and activities for people of all ages. As we look to the future, we want residents to help shape the next chapter for Shepway Library. That's why we're inviting library users, local groups and the wider community to share their views and ideas on what they'd like to see in the new library and how it can best support local people.” Source: Kent County Council