Three new spaces have opened in Redbridge Central Library, allowing access to technology, business advice and a new heritage centre.

Lab Central, Hub Central and the Redbridge Heritage Centre were unveiled yesterday at the borough’s largest library, in Clements Road, Ilford.

Redbridge Council leader, Councillor Jas Athwal, said: “We’re driving economic growth in Redbridge and we’ve taken an innovative approach to position our libraries at the heart of digital skills and training as well as providing businesses the opportunity to develop and grow.”

Excited schoolchildren got to grips with 3D printing, robotics and virtual reality in Lab Central.

It also offers a programme of workshops, training and a Discovery Lab residency, after receiving a £208,989 grant from Arts Council England.

Hub Central is designed to help the many small businesses, entrepreneurs and start-ups in Redbridge.

It provides co-working space, a range of literature and expert one to one business advice.

The Hub also provides tailored help for residents to develop new skills and find employment, with special sessions, an IT training suite and free wi-fi.

The new heritage centre is a space for people to discover the people, places and events of over 200,000 years of history in Ilford, Wanstead and Woodford.

Expert staff and historic archives, books, building plans, maps, newspapers, photographs and online resources will help people research the history of their family, house or local area.