THESE are the first glimpses of Hove Library’s new layout.

The refurbishment picture of the Grade II listed building comes after the announcement of a further week’s delay to the work which will keep the building closed until Tuesday, August 28.

Conservative Councillor for Wish Ward Robert Nemeth has been heavily involved in the development and took the snaps of the development in action.

He said: “Although the delays are inconvenient to those who love the library I hope that the wait will be worth it.

“I can’t wait to see the finished work.”

The controversial works are part of a shake up to make the library financially viable.

Plans for Hove Library will mean a new staff workroom built in the first floor, cafe space put into the ground floor, and the former offices in the basement converted into a day nursery.

The council say the changes will not affect the library services and the extra income generated will safeguard the future of the building as a public library.

The changes to the Grade II listed building were delayed in April after councillors objected to the plans, arguing changes on the ground floor would damage the internal fittings and character of the building.

Cllr Nemeth lent his support to the project after assuring the future of some of the rundown features in the library such as the parquet flooring, damaged and disused shelves and Edwardian radial shelving.

He said: “The radial shelf area is nearly finished and is already looking something like it would have looked in its Edwardian heyday.

“It’s easy to neglect our city’s cultural history in times of austerity so I see this as a real victory for those who care about out city’s heritage.”

In an announcement on Monday, Brighton and Hove City Council said the development would over-run by one week, with the building opening to the pubic opening on August 20 instead of August 28.

This is due to the contractor working on the site finding that the drains and some sections of the flooring needed more extensive works than previously thought.

The library also suffered a flood due to heavy rain just before the start of the closure period which delayed some of the works.

Speaking about the delay, Emma Daniel, chairwoman of the neighbourhoods, communities and equalities committee, said: “Our contractors will be working seven days a week to complete all the work that is needed.

“We’re really sorry for this delay and we apologise to all the users of Hove Library for any inconvenience.

“Our contractors will be working seven days a week to complete all the work that is needed.”