Plan for major overhaul of library

GRIMSBY'S 50-year-old central library building is set to undergo a major change after it was discovered that the heating, ventilation and electrics need replacing.

Members of North East Lincolnshire Council's Cabinet is meeting on Monday to consider the proposals, along with plans to carry out a feasibility study and consultation into the future provision of library services.

A report to the Cabinet outlines the recommended option for addressing system replacement, which will require a period of closure while works are undertaken.

This will also include work to move all library services to the basement, ground floor and mezzanine floor, closing off the floors above.

A statement released by NELC said: "The option is a balanced compromise to extend the life of the building and allow its use to be part of the consideration of the long-term future of the library service.

"The second floor of the library, which currently includes the gallery and community meeting room, will be closed should the proposals be approved.

"Regular users of these spaces will be supported to find alternative locations, ideally within the branch library network or alternative council buildings, such as Grimsby Town Hall.

"If approved, the plans will avoid the need to close the building entirely and will instead see the replacement of essential systems within part of the library."

The imposing building has stood close to the town centre of Grimsby for almost 50 years and retains its original infrastructure.

In December 2011, NELC approved a programme of essential repairs necessary to ensure its continued use.

During 2012, a period of closure enabled a detailed intrusive investigation to be carried out by independent contractors. This work confirmed the original plan is no longer practical or cost effective due to the need for extensive work on the systems infrastructure that supports the building.

If approved, the proposals are expected to cost about £300,000.

Councillor Mick Burnett, portfolio holder for tourism, leisure and culture at the authority, said: "The building can't continue to operate as a library without significant investment in the infrastructure and we must also ensure it remains safe for our staff and the public to use.

"In terms of the wider library provision, in the light of the continuing financial challenges and as with other local authorities across the country, I believe we need to explore innovative solutions to ensure we retain a library service we can be proud of. To do that, we need to ask users and the wider community what they want and expect from the service and design it to reflect that within the resources we will have available in future.''