A new community hub in Erith has won a prestigious architecture award.

The Exchange, the former Carnegie library, was transformed by the council, residents, and partners into a community hub.

It was awarded the 2024 RIBA Southeast Conservation Award for its impressive architecture.

The council has been working with the community to improve Erith, making the most of its riverside location.

Bexley’s cabinet member for growth, Councillor Munur, and the cabinet member for neighbourhoods, Councillor Diment, visited Erith last week to see the progress.

Councillor Munur said: "It is exciting to see how all of the improvements in Erith are shaping up and how the area is being transformed.

"All of these enhancements will rejuvenate the town and help make it even more attractive to local people and visitors."

Their first stop was The Exchange, where they admired the award-winning architecture.

They also visited the nearby Walnut Tree Road, where public realm works started on November 11.

These works aim to make the street safer and more pedestrian-friendly, with the addition of a new walnut tree.

The street forms a main route connection between the station, the town, and the river.

At Riverside Gardens, the councillors saw the start of improvements following the end of the demolition stage.

The re-landscaping of the gardens will bring residents and visitors closer to the River Thames with new seating, a playground, an outdoor fitness zone, and a community gardening area along a 'Thames promenade route' running the length of the gardens.

These works are set to be completed in early 2025.

Councillors Munur and Diment also visited the disused unit at 68 Pier Road, which is being transformed into a multi-use community space for Erith.

The new community space will have a kitchen, a hireable events area, meeting rooms, and a Changing Places toilet facility.

There will also be an indoor courtyard for relaxation and outdoor community events.

Local groups participated in a design workshop earlier this year and suggested how best the space could be used.

Information boards updating on the plans for 68 Pier Road are on display in Erith town centre.

Following a public vote, the new space will be known locally as 68.

Work is expected to be completed in spring 2025.

Improvements at Pier Square, one of the main public pedestrian spaces alongside the riverfront in Erith, and at the Erith High Street area by the Riverside Gardens have already been completed.

All of the improvements are being delivered by the Greater Erith programme at London Borough of Bexley and are funded by the council and partners.