The following question was tabled for this week’s council assembly by Cllr Lisa Rajan (Lib Dem)
Does he believe it was appropriate for the consultation on the demolition of Albion Street Library and Civic Centre to take place over the Christmas period after official notice of the proposed work was given on 19 December 2013? What account has it taken of the 622 petition signatures already submitted to the council opposing the plans?
Council leader Peter John (Labour) replied:
The proposal to demolish Albion Street Library is a long standing one with considerable time for public engagement.
The property was declared surplus to requirements in April 2011. In December 2012 the cabinet approved a project mandate that seeks to bring forward a programme of strategically important projects along Albion Street. One of these is the redevelopment of the redundant council owned public library building. It is proposed to demolish the building and provide a housing development as part of the council’s commitment to deliver 11,000 new council homes in the next 25 years. To give effect to this, the site was included in the Direct Delivery Housing Phase 2 report which was agreed by cabinet on 22 October 2013. The council is also seeking to provide improved GP premises at the site which would replace the existing facility in Albion Street.
The proposals for the library site have been the subject of extensive consultation with local residents and the Albion Street Steering Group. The proposals from Sublime Arts Group were considered by cabinet in December [sic] as part of a deputation on the matter, however it was concluded that while they have some interesting ideas the organisation did not have a funded business plan which would justify omitting this site from the direct delivery programme which will deliver new affordable homes for rent to meet a well established local need. The security of the building continues to be a significant cost to the council and its early demolition is considered necessary to reduce these ongoing liabilities and risks.