Welcome to Seaton Carew Community Hub!

Published Thursday, 3rd April 2025

An exciting new chapter has begun for Seaton Carew Library with its reopening as Seaton Carew Community Hub after a quarter of a million pounds of refurbishment.

Featuring a fresh new look, upgraded facilities and a wider range of activities and services, this latest member of the Community Hubs family was officially opened by the Ceremonial Mayor of Hartlepool Councillor Carole Thompson and Christine Hodgson, who was the Branch Librarian when the library first opened in 1970.

Christine Hodgson (left) and Councillor Carole Thompson cut the ribbon to officially open the Seaton Carew Community Hub

Christine Hodgson (left) and Councillor Carole Thompson cut the ribbon to officially open the Seaton Carew Community Hub

The tired and draughty building has been transformed into a warm, welcoming, accessible and energy-efficient venue. The project was designed by Hartlepool Borough Council’s Consultancy Services Team and the work was carried out by the Council’s Construction Team.

Highlights include:

  • A new layout, including a communal space, adult lending library, children’s area, public computers and meeting room.
  • Drinks and snacks on sale, to enjoy in the Hub or take out into neighbouring Seaton Carew Park. Grab a pup-a-chino for your canine companion!
  • Improved access for the whole community, including a new accessible toilet, wide powered doors and levelled access around the building perimeter.
  • An expanded programme of activities and events, including children’s groups, creative workshops and adult social groups.
People are already enjoying the communal space

People are already enjoying the communal space

The new Hub will continue to offer a range of books for people to borrow. Although the library space has been relocated, the number of books remains the same.

There will also be specialist staff on hand each week from other services including Community Navigators for adult social care queries, Digital Navigators for technology support and Hartlepool Jobs and Skills for adult learning courses and careers advice.

Councillor Brenda Harrison, Leader of the Council, (left) and Christine Hodgson in the children’s area

Councillor Brenda Harrison, Leader of the Council, (left) and Christine Hodgson in the children’s area

The improvements were made possible after the Council bid for and won a £200,000 grant from the Libraries Improvement Fund, which is delivered through Arts Council England.

The remaining £50,000 came from the Council itself, in the form of a roof replacement.

To complement the improvements, a new path was recently laid from nearby Seaton Park to the Hub, created by construction company Wates and its local supply chain Hewitson Ltd at their own expense, making it easy for park users to drop into the library and enjoy the new facilities.

Jill Harrison, Executive Director of Adult and Community-Based Services, Seaton Ward Cllr. Sue Little, Cllr. Carole Thompson, Mayor’s Consort Cllr. Phil Holbrook, Cllr. Brenda Harrison, Seaton Ward Cllr. Leisa Smith and Cllr. Gary Allen.

Jill Harrison, Executive Director of Adult and Community-Based Services, Seaton Ward Cllr. Sue Little, Cllr. Carole Thompson, Mayor’s Consort Cllr. Phil Holbrook, Cllr. Brenda Harrison, Seaton Ward Cllr. Leisa Smith and Cllr. Gary Allen

Councillor Gary Allen, Chair of the Council’s Adult and Community-Based Services Committee, said: “We’re putting Seaton Carew Community Hub at the heart of the local community, with a warm, welcoming venue that’s accessible to everyone and they’ll really enjoy spending time in.

“As a Community Hub it will also offer access to services that have proved so popular at our other Hubs like Jobs and Skills and the Support Hub, but there will be lots more besides, for residents of all ages.

“We’re growing our events programme, and we’d especially like people to let us know what activities and sessions they would like to see in their new Hub.

“We are really looking forward to welcoming people back.”

Seaton Carew Community Hub is open Wednesdays and Thursdays 10am – 12.30pm and 1pm – 5pm and Fridays and Saturdays 9am – 12.30pm.