NORTHWICH'S iconic library building will not be demolished even if the service itself is moved, the council has confirmed.

Creating a new quarter for public services, including the library, is one of the ideas put forward for Weaver Square Shopping Centre, which will be discussed by Cheshire West and Chester Council's (CWAC) ruling group tomorrow, Wednesday.

Members of the cabinet will consider long term regeneration proposals for both the shopping centre and the former council offices in Watling Street, although these proposals are in their very early stages.

Guardian readers took to Facebook to discuss their ideas and urge CWAC to keep the black and white library building in Witton Street.

Liam Leach suggested that it should be an entertainment complex with bowling and karting as well as bars and restaurants while Gary Onslow suggested a town square complete with an attractive market area and a hotel.

He said: "I think there will be enough retail in the rest of the development and Witton Street so some other leisure use could be good."

Manda Rose said: "I love the idea of a covered market and independent retailers.

"We need to stay that little bit different and not follow all the other towns around."

Penny Benjamin said: "How about some apartments for young professional types too?

"Surely if the town is to thrive in the long term it needs to attract the younger generation to stay/move here in a fashionable and desirable town centre apartment type accommodation."

Phil Bower said: "Great to hear that at last the area is to be considered for renovation or redevelopment.

"However, I would hate to think that the library was to be relocated unless a new and positive function for the existing library was also seriously contemplated."

Melissa Wilson said: "Our library is a historically important building which is in desperate need of renovation.

"While new buildings are important to Northwich we have an obligation to preserve the most significant public buildings.

"The role of a future library building can be anything we can imagine and it must represent what people really desire from a public building."

A CWAC spokesman reassured readers that the library building would not be demolished.

"It's a listed building and it's protected – it could not be demolished," she said.

"If the library function was to move out of it we would explore options for alternative uses."