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SWG Construction Delivers Refurbishment and Extension at Welshpool’s Y Lanfa Library

Welshpool Library will reopen in its long-standing home at Y Lanfa on Friday 20 March, following a significant extension and refurbishment delivered by SWG Construction. This project forms part of the wider Montgomery Canal Restoration initiative.

As part of the refurbishment, our team expanded the floor space beneath the existing canopy to create a new entrance foyer and introduced a flexible community and exhibition space above. The improvements also include lift access, a new public toilet, solar panels and modern air-handling units, improving both accessibility and environmental performance.

The wharf area has been resurfaced to enhance safety and accessibility, while a new landscaped area has been created for public use. The Grade II listed Canalside cottages have also been refurbished for commercial use. These improvements complement earlier refurbishments undertaken when the library moved into Y Lanfa in 2020.

Councillor Raiff Devlin, Powys County Council’s Cabinet Member for Customers, Digital and Community Services, said:

“It’s great to see Y Lanfa reopening to the public, with extended and improved facilities that we hope will prove popular with Powys residents and visitors alike. After a somewhat rocky start back in 2020, we believe it has the potential to become a valued and much-admired cultural hub in the centre of the town, as well as adding to the attractiveness of the Canalside views and experience.”

Julian Kirkham, SWG Construction Director, said:

“As a local contractor, it’s fantastic to see Y Lanfa reopening with modern, flexible facilities that will benefit residents and visitors. Our team delivered improvements that respect the character of the building while creating high-quality, sustainable spaces fit for the future. We are proud to have contributed to a scheme that strengthens both the community and the wider canal restoration project.”

The project was designed by Hughes Architects and managed by Powys County Council’s Property Design Services. It forms part of the £14 million Montgomery Canal Restoration project, funded by the UK Government Levelling Up Fund, with additional support from the National Lottery Heritage Fund and the Welsh Government. Working with Glandŵr Cymru (the Canal and River Trust in Wales), the project is helping restore the canal while improving public spaces and nature along the waterway.

SWG Construction Delivers Refurbishment and Extension at Welshpool’s Y Lanfa Library

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