Following completion of the construction of a vibrant new community facility for Mixenden in January 2025, a new library is the first unit to open.
The new library at Mixenden Community Hub opened its doors and welcomed its first visitors on Thursday 6 March 2025 – World Book Day.
Calderdale Council celebrated the opening, and its significance as a milestone in the overall investment in north Halifax, with children’s activities and a visit by Councillors…with a little help from the Gruffalo.
Well, it was actually a member of library staff dressed up as the much-loved kids’ book and TV character, but it helped bring smiles to faces on opening day and was a reminder of the importance of reading, learning and play.
The new library will encourage all of these, through its modern and welcoming environment, easy-to-access facilities for the whole community, advice, IT equipment, free internet access and new ‘playboxes’ containing games and activities that encourage early speech, language, communication and numeracy. The library will also host school visits and craft sessions.
The library is just one part of Mixenden Community Hub, which sits at the heart of the local community as one place where residents can access many services and opportunities. The construction work was completed by contractor Code Building Solutions.
The North Halifax Primary Care Network is moving into one of the other units at the Hub to deliver community healthcare services (in addition to the nearby GP surgery, and supported by the Calderdale Cares Partnership).
There is also a space for a shop or office at the Hub, and people are already enjoying the community garden, which contributes to local climate action, helps prevent flooding and supports wildlife, through its planting beds and sustainable drainage to collect and slowly release rainwater.
Cllr Scott Patient, Calderdale Council’s Deputy Leader, visited the completed Hub on the library opening day, along with Cllr Danielle Durrans (Cabinet Member for Public Services and Communities), Cllr Shane Taylor (Councillor for Illingworth and Mixenden) and Ian Day (the Council’s Director of Public Services).
Cllr Patient said:
“Investing in north Halifax supports our priority for thriving towns and places. The North Halifax Strategy shows a 10-year commitment to transform the area, in partnership with the community.
“The completion of Mixenden Community Hub, and the opening of the library, is a major moment in making our long-term ambition for the area real. It’s great to see people using the brilliant new library and community garden already.
“As the other services move in, we’ll see the Hub become a place where people can look after their health, learn, relax and socialise.
“Thank you to everyone who has worked together to make this a real focal point at the heart of this strong community.”
Dr Geetha Chandrasekaran, a local GP and Clinical Director for the Primary Care Network said:
“The opening of the library within the Mixenden Hub is a pivotal moment for the community, and North Halifax Primary Care Network are excited to be a part of this overall transformation.
“We will be moving our services into the building soon, helping to ensure the health and well-being of local residents while fostering connections and supporting local growth. The Hub not only enhances access to these vital services but also reflects the power of collaboration in creating a brighter future for north Halifax.”
The completion of Mixenden Community Hub adds to the recent transformative work at Beechwood and Sunny Bank parks and work to rebuild fire-damaged Ash Green Community Primary School. These north Halifax success stories have created spaces that people can take pride in, showcasing the work that has been taking place in partnership with the community and local organisations.
This investment in north Halifax is part of the Next Chapter for Calderdale to enable economic growth, reduce inequalities and build a sustainable future. For more information about this and other major developments in Calderdale, visit www.calderdalenextchapter.co.uk(external link)
Mixenden Community Hub and the North Halifax Strategy support the Council’s priority for thriving towns and places and demonstrate the key qualities of the Vision 2024 for the borough. The transition to the new Vision 34 for Calderdale has begun, encouraging local communities to be bold and ambitious about what we can do next to make Calderdale a better place for all.
ENDS