This picture shows how the long-awaited new library for Lewes could look.

Plans for the £2 million development, which will transform the historic heart of the county town, have been submitted to the district council.

Residents have been calling for years for a new library to replace the Victorian building in Albion Street which they say is cramped and has poor disabled access.

The new library, designed by architects McMorran and Gatehouse, will be made of cream brick and glass with traditional materials of flint and terracotta tiles.

It will be about three times the size of the current library and will feature adult and children's lending library, a Citizens' Advice Bureau, open learning facilities, space for art displays and a local studies reference room.

Subject to an Arts Council Lottery bid being successful, there will also be a regional literature centre with a small auditorium.

The building will have a tall entrance foyer and will link into a landscaped public space.

The designs will go on display at the current library from 11am to 4pm on Saturday, when architects and officers from East Sussex County Council will be available to answer questions.

The plans then go before county councillors at a planning meeting on June 20 after the district council has submitted its views.

Joy Preston, chairman of Lewes Library Friends, said: "We are pleased about the level of public consultation which has gone into the plans and we look forward to seeing them in more detail.

"We welcome the plans, which use as much natural light as possible. There is the use of traditional materials but it is quite a modern building with clean lines.

"It is wonderful to know a new library is going to be built. The present library is too small and has a temporary extension which is very difficult for disabled access and mothers with buggies."

Dina Thorpe, county council head of libraries, information and arts, said: "This will be an opportunity for people to see and discuss our plans for the new library which have evolved from those that went on display at the end of last year.

"For those who want a sneak preview, a photo of the model of the library is on our county council web site. However, the photo does not show the colours of the brick or tile hangings."

The library is part of a development brief for the Lewes House site, which includes housing and gardens.