Fulwood library to become offices for Preston firm

Fulwood library with the 'for sale' sign — The library was put on the market in December last year

Fulwood’s former library is to become home to a rapidly expanding Preston firm.

Turf Tech, currently operating in Pittman Way, has bought the building in Garstang Road.

Update: Fulwood library will be re-opening

Founded in 1990 the firm has built a world-wide reputation for developing and manufacturing products for the amenity and horticultural industry.

They make specialist products for golf courses and bowling greens.

Director Chris Greenwood has tabled plans to convert the former library building into offices.

Plans lodged with Preston City Council by Turf Tech’s agents Leeming Associates show six parking spaces, including one disabled space, would be added at the front of the building and a new access into Garstang Road created.

The offices would be used Monday to Saturday from 8.30am to 6pm.

Fulwood’s library was closed in late September last year when the previously Labour-run county council said it could no longer afford to run it.

The building was on the market for around £450,000 although the sale price is not known.

The Conservatives have now taken control of County Hall following Friday’s local elections and a key election pledge was to reverse the library closures.

Geoff Driver retained his Preston North seat and is leader of the Lancashire Conservatives

Asked about Fulwood Library by the Lancashire Post, Tory group leader Geoff Driver – who has the library site within his Preston North division – said: “I don’t know if the contracts have been exchanged, if those contracts haven’t been exchanged I would be looking for them not to be exchanged.

“If they have been exchanged we will use the money from the sale to re-open another library in the close vicinity.”

Full plans for the former Fulwood library site can be seen on the city council website, they were lodged on Thursday 4 May – the day of voting in the local elections.

Blog Preston has approached Turf Tech for comment on the plans.

What do you think about the library building? Let us know in the comments below