A secret garden is to be created behind Golcar Library – and there’ll be a giant colourful artwork too.

Kirklees Libraries has been awarded a share of a £40,000 Green Libraries Partnership grant aimed at projects to help tackle climate change. Kirklees Council is one of 15 local authorities to receive funding.

The money will be used to develop a vacant plot behind the library in Town End, Golcar. It will become an accessible, environmentally sustainable garden with native plants to create habitats for local wildlife and will include an edible and sensory garden feature for local people to use.

With the help of local schools and artists, the proposal includes a giant art project on the exterior of the buildings surrounding the garden, complimenting the theme of climate emergency. 

Clr Paul Davies, Cabinet member for corporate, said: “This funding will demonstrate how libraries can support, influence and tackle the climate emergency and provide residents with more green space to sit, immerse themselves in nature and support their wellbeing.

“This is further proof that our libraries are at the heart of our communities and I look forward to seeing how the plans will develop.”

The garden is expected to be completed by autumn 2022.