Hastings Victorian library revamp agreed
Multi-million pound proposals to redevelop a Victorian library in Hastings have been agreed.
Planning permission to transform The Brassey Institute has not yet been sought, but East Sussex County Council has given the go-ahead for the idea.
It wants to modernise the 1887 building, which would also incorporate the children's library in Robertson Passage and a Learn Direct facility.
The decision reverses plans in 2008 to build a brand new £6.2m library.
The council had said The Brassey Institute, in Claremont, could not be developed to suit a modern range of services.
A council spokesman said the change was down to increased pressure on council budgets. The estimated cost of the revised plans has not yet been revealed.
Bob Tidy, the council's lead member for community services, said: "Councils up and down the country have had to look at their budgets and only put forward those schemes they believe are high priority and these plans fit that category."
As well as needing planning permission for works to The Brassey Institute, a grade II listed building, the council will also need approval for a temporary library while the refurbishment takes place.