FUNDING has been finalised for a much-needed £1.9 million new library at Hamworthy, Poole.

The new building will replace the cramped existing library and learning centre on Blandford Road on the same site, and could be open in 2010.

Abid has brought £1.16 million from the National Lottery for the project, which includes community facilities.

There was a funding shortfall between the main grant from the Big Lottery Fund's National Community Libraries Programme and the cost, which has been filled by £370,000 allocated from a Local Strategic Partnership grant with £400,000 from the Borough of Poole.

Kevin McErlane, head of culture and community learning at the Borough of Poole, said: "The next step for officers is to secure the final approval of our detailed planning and preparation for construction towards a hoped-for start date in January 2009."

He added: "An important element of the project will be to build up the involvement of local people and expand the range of activities."

Cllr Peter Adams, cabinet portfolio holder for leisure and culture, said: "This is a welcome success and a significant move forward for the people of Hamworthy. This award of lottery funding will help to put the library at the heart of the community."

Cllr Mike White, member for Hamworthy East, said: "The existing library is well used and a greatly valued resource in this area, but residents have told me they think it should be improved, so it is excellent news that the Big Lottery supports this project."

The news comes as the council is proposing to cut library hours and shrink the Central Library to one floor in a bid to save £176,000.