By John Baron
Work to convert Calverley’s Mechanics Institute into a library is set to begin next week, a councillor has confirmed.
WLD reported earlier this year that services at the existing Calverley Library in Thornhill Street are to move in a bid to save Leeds City Council money.
Councillor Peter Carlill (Lab, Calverley & Farsley) provided an update on the proposals.
He said: “We have just received a confirmed timescale with work starting at the Mechanics Institute next week, and set to take eight to 10 weeks.
“The existing building would therefore be closed mid to late January, with a short gap before the new building opens to allow time to move furniture, books and other resources.
“An original timescale was originally suggested which would have led to a lengthy closure of the building, something Cllr Craig Timmins and I informed them was unacceptable, so I am glad officers have responded to our concerns and looked again at the plan.”
The relocation will include upgraded accessible toilets and redecoration of the library areas to provide a safe and welcoming environment.
Plans are currently on display in the existing library and follow a public consultation earlier this year and a planning application which was approved last month.
A council report published yesterday gave the go ahead to spend £213,670 to support the refurbishment of the Mechanics Institute and relocation of the library.
The report added: “The relocation of the Calverley Library forms part of Leeds City Council’s wider asset rationalisation programme, which seeks to reduce operating costs, address maintenance backlogs, and improve service delivery by consolidating underutilised buildings and investing in shared community infrastructure.
“The existing library site on Thornhill Street presents financial challenges in terms of ongoing maintenance, and long-term viability and provides a disposal opportunity.”
It added: “The proposed refurbishment of the Calverley Mechanics Institute will support this site to become a flexible, inclusive and digitally connected space that supports lifelong learning, civic engagement and social cohesion.”
WLD understands the Thornhill Street site is likely to be sold.
The council report can be read in full here.
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