High Heaton Library

The distinctive round library at High Heaton opened in 1968. It was closed in 2007 as part of Newcastle Council's £40 million PFI libraries improvement scheme and subsequently demolished, rebuilt and reopened in its current incarnation in September 2008. Designed by Ryder Architecture, who also designed City Library, the exterior is aesthetically pleasing. The building is now comma-shaped rather than completely round.

It is quite shocking to think that High Heaton is one of the branch libraries that may face closure in the 2013 library cuts. If the Council closes the library (lauded at its opening as 'state of the art' and 'ultra-modern') it may well have to be demolished. Even if it is demolished, the Council will still have to pay a £7,500 annual charge to cover the cost of the original PFI finance deal.