AN artist's impression reveals how a new village library and community centre could look.

New plans for Hale Community Centre and Library have been submitted by Hillcrest Homes and Hale Community Trust ­— and form part of larger plans to build new homes in the area.

Plans for a new library and community centre were drawn up after the existing Hale Library was earmarked for closure and the site offered for redevelopment by Trafford Borough Council

The proposals are said to "preserve and enhance the village’s library services", and provide a meeting space for local community groups in a new purpose-built community centre on the site of the existing Hale Village Bowling Green pavilion.

The development of the new Community Centre and Library will be funded by the sale of the current library site for residential development by Hillcrest.

Following consultation, the partnership says it has revised its original proposals to take on board many of the comments provided by neighbours, the local community, stakeholders, statutory consultees and planning and conservation officers at Trafford Borough Council.

Changes include the adoption of an arts and crafts appearance which is in keeping with other buildings along Ashley Road.

The building’s overall size has been reduced and existing trees either side of the building to be retained to create "an attractive frame". Trees will also be planted.

The new library will be able to accommodate 17,000 books will house computers and the new community centre will include a cafe.

The ground floor will provide a lounge for bowling club members and a space for a seniors’ group who meet daily at the existing bowling club.

The proposals also include a flexible open plan community café/event/exhibition space, such as local art shows or large community group activities. There will also be meeting rooms and a kitchen.

Grahame Elliott, Chairman of Hale Community Trust, said: “We have overwhelming support for this scheme from local residents and community groups and it was important that our consultation was transparent and inclusive. We have taken care to address concerns and believe the new planning applications have benefitted enormously from the comments and suggestions put forward.

"The new flexible community space and library will provide a unique and welcome new focus for local residents, businesses and community groups in Hale.

"We will ensure that the facilities provided will be high quality and accessible so that the whole community benefits from the new proposals."

The new Community Centre and Library will be funded by, and is reliant on, the development of the existing Hale Library site into residential housing.

In a separate application, six semi-detached three-bedroom homes are proposed, fronting onto Addison Road, with a mixed-use building in the same architectural style fronting onto Leigh Road and providing a ground floor retail space with two two-bedroom apartments above.

Hillcrest Homes Managing Director, James Paynes said: "We’re very grateful to everyone who took the time and trouble to provide their feedback on our proposals. We’ve emerged with a stronger proposal that does justice to this special location and will be an attractive addition to the streetscape, whilst providing the high-quality new homes that are much in demand in Hale."

A public exhibition of the new proposals is at Hale Library on Leigh Road. For more information visit www.halecommunitytrust.co.uk