A new children’s LEGO club at Wolverhampton’s Central Library has been made possible thanks to the kind donation of the construction contractor responsible for improvements to the historic venue.
Speller Metcalfe has already completed the first stage of internal enhancements to the library - which form part of the wider £61million City Learning Quarter programme.
The remaining works will see them construct a two-storey glazed link building to connect it to the neighbouring Adult Education Wolverhampton’s Alan Garner Building on Old Hall Street and complete the restoration of the façade and roof of the Grade II*-listed library.
As part of their commitment to the local community through their contract with City of Wolverhampton Council, Speller Metcalfe have also donated boxes of LEGO for the club, which will provide the opportunity for kids to be creative, develop problem-solving skills, and learn about science, technology and engineering, while having fun with their own construction projects.
The LEGO club runs on the first Wednesday of every month from 5pm to 6.30pm. It is advisable to book a place in advance by calling 01902 552025 or emailing Libraries@wolverhampton.gov.uk.
Councillor Chris Burden, City of Wolverhampton Council Cabinet Member for City Development, Jobs and Skills, said: “We want as many people as possible to enjoy this amazing library for generations to come and this LEGO club, supported by the donation of Speller Metcalfe, is an example of the brilliant activities on offer for youngsters in this public space - who knows, it may ultimately encourage future construction careers.
“Skills and jobs are what this is all about and the improvement works to Central Library and our Adult Education facilities are integral to our City Learning Quarter vision alongside the new college campus being developed.”
Kate Moore, Social Value Lead from Speller Metcalfe, said: “We are thrilled to be able to support the library with this gift that we hope will continue to be used and enjoyed by the local children beyond our time here as a contractor.
“For Speller Metcalfe, supporting local communities, businesses and people in the areas we are working in is a key part of our role as a principal contractor, so being able to interact with the community in the building we are working on has been a real pleasure.”
Councillor Obada Ahmed, City of Wolverhampton Council Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Community, said: “We are proud of Central Library and the part it plays in our community, which is why we are investing in it to ensure it continues to provide the best possible public services.
“I’d like to thank Speller Metcalfe for engaging in this way to help us further enhance the library’s offer through this fantastic LEGO club for children and their parents to enjoy.”
The improved Central Library and Adult Education Wolverhampton facilities will sit alongside a new state-of-the-art education facility for City of Wolverhampton College currently being constructed by McLaughlin & Harvey on the neighbouring site of the college’s former Metro One campus – all forming the new City Learning Quarter.
Central Library and Adult Education Wolverhampton are continuing to operate throughout the works, which are expected to be completed during the winter.
