WORK on a new library and community building in Hamble is nearing completion.

The Mercury Library and community hub in High Street is set to be completed by the end of this month.

An official opening date has not been confirmed yet.

But a spokesperson for Eastleigh Borough Council, which is responsible for the project, said they authority is in the process of recruiting volunteers and it is hoping to open the new building as soon as possible.

The new development will feature a community space for meetings and groups, a small kitchen, several computer stations, audiovisual equipment and two small offices that can be hired out.

The library will contain more than

2,000 books.

As previously reported, the site was once occupied by Barclays bank.

Last year councillors approved plans to demolish the building and create two new flats and a community building with a library on the ground floor.

The plans were put forward by Eastleigh Borough Council.

Cllr Tonia Craig, chair of Bursledon, Hamble-le-Rice and Hound Local Area Committee, said: “We are all looking forward to the opening of the Mercury Library & Community Hub, which I am sure will be a very popular asset for the people of Hamble. In addition to a much needed book-lending outlet, it offers a range of excellent facilities and is a tribute to the hard work of the parish and borough councillors and officers who have made it possible.”

The name of the new building relates to the training ship Mercury which was moored on the River Hamble between 1892 and 1968.

An official naming ceremony will be held at the site on September 22, after the final march of the Mercury Old Boys.

The facility will be run by Hamble Parish Council volunteers.

Those who would like to volunteer are invited to email asstclerk@hamblepc.org.uk.