Grays Central Library and Thurrock Museum Relocation

Introduction

This consultation is an opportunity for us to share the proposed library and museum relocation plans with you. We would like your views on these outline proposals.

We have a legal duty to provide a comprehensive and efficient library service to our residents, for more information about this statutory duty see the Public Libraries and Museum Act 1964.

Background

We are considering the relocation of Grays Central Library and Thurrock Museum. The development of the new Town Hall and a move to hybrid working means that space is available at the Civic Offices. Furthermore, a possible relocation could bring these two valued services closer together, making better use of shared resources.

Grays Central Library first opened in 1903 within a building built using money from the Carnegie Foundation. It is currently located on the ground floor and first floor of the Thameside Complex in Grays. Find out more about Grays Central Library and the services available from Thurrock libraries.

The Thurrock Museum is in the same building on the first floor, where you can find more than 250,000 years of Thurrock’s past in display cases containing more than 1,500 objects. Admission to the Thurrock Museum is free. For more information, go to Thurrock Museum.

The proposal

We are proposing moving Grays Central Library and Thurrock Museum from their current location in the Thameside Complex to the Town Hall.

We believe that Grays Central Library and Thurrock Museum are valuable resources for our residents and community. The outline proposal does not include a reduction in services which will remain accessible to all. The new proposed location is 0.31 miles from the current location, whilst we appreciate this may be of benefit to some residents, we are aware it may also increase the walking distance or negatively impact others.

The new library will occupy a similar size to its current location. It will include the same range of resources including the same number of public PCs, opening hours will remain the same as its current location.

The new location will be developed as a modern library, retaining the Central Library functionality. Grays Central Library will operate in a brighter building with modern facilities, close to public transport links.

In addition, its new location next to the Town Hall, and opposite South Essex College will provide better join up to local public services for residents.

We would therefore like to hear your views about these proposals so that we can address any concerns and factor solutions into our plans should the proposal be accepted.

Further details about these proposals can be found within the Display Boards section on this page.

Have my say

This engagement exercise will run between Wednesday, 10 January 2024 and Sunday, 31 March 2024. You can provide your thoughts by completing the survey below, completing a paper survey (locations listed below) or attending a face to face event.

Please email HaveMySay@thurrock.gov.uk if you need this survey in a different language.

Paper survey locations

You can pick up a paper copy from:

• Thameside Complex, Orsett Road, Grays, Essex, RM17 5DX
• any Thurrock Library
• Town Hall, at the end of the High Street, Grays.

Copies can be returned to the same locations.

Face to face events

You can view plans, ask questions or give feedback at these events:

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have a question that has not been answered above please visit our FAQ page.