Decision details

To consider a report of the Cabinet Member for Housing and Leisure Services detailing the provision of library services in the Woolston area of the City. 

The report will seek the:

• inclusion of the replacement  library for Woolston in the Capital Programme; and
• permission to commit expenditure on the project.

Consideration of the elements of this reportmay be considered exempt for general publication in line with paragraph 10.4 category 3 of the Council’s Access to Information Procedure Rules.

Subject to Council approval of recommendation (ii).

(i)  To approve, in accordance with Financial Procedure Rules, capital expenditure of £35,000 in 2012/2013, £107,000 in 2013/2014.from the Housing and Leisure Capital Programme for the design work of the community facilities including the replacement library in Centenary Quay.

(ii)  To delegate authority to the Director of Environment and Economy to sign the lease for the property subject to consultation with the Director of Resources and Cabinet Member for Housing and Leisure.

The replacement library is expected to be handed over by the developer in October 2013. The project is needed to ensure that the Council is able to take out a lease on the property and fit it out with a view to opening it in 2014. Approval is required to add the project to the Capital programme and to authorise spend on the design work.

1.  The Council could continue to work from the existing library and not move to Centenary Quay.  Another alternative site in Inkerman Road was identified in the Local Plan, but would have been expensive to build and was not taken forward as Centenary Quay is more financially viable and provides a more prominent location.  The existing library is in poor condition, has a significant repairs backlog and does not provide disabled access for people in wheelchairs.  The intention would be to sell the existing library site, Inkerman Road site and another Council-owned site which is estimated to be enough to cover the capital cost of the new library.

2.  The Council could consider alternative uses for the library space.  This would require Crest Nicholson’s co-operation for a new planning application for change of use and an amendment to the Section 106 Agreement.  If the Council wished to use the building it would still face the cost of fitting out.