To present the outcome of the Review of Potential Locations (Appendix 2) for the Library and Learning Centre and to recommend a preferred option for consideration by Cabinet.

That:

a)    Cabinet agree that following the strategic review conducted the preferred new location of the Library and Learning Centre is the Shirehall;

b)    The decision to relocate the Library and Learning Centre to the Maylord Orchards site is paused during the development of a Full Business Case for the Shirehall proposal;

c)    A full business case for the Shirehall development to be progressed (to include the library works and all enabling works) and reported back to Cabinet in October 2023 where these will be considered against existing plans for Maylord Orchards; and

d)    Delegated authority is given to the Corporate Director for Community Wellbeing in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Community Services and Assets to take all operational decisions (within a to c above) and as is necessary to develop the Full Business Case, and to submit the Project Adjustment Request to the Hereford Towns Board and the Department for Levelling Up Housing and Communities (DLUHC), if required.

1. Cabinet could consider one of the alternative sites, including the existing proposal to relocate the Library and Learning Centre to Maylord Orchards, set out in the appended review document. This is not recommended. Following the review a preferred location, Shirehall is considered to represent a stronger case for investment when considered against the criteria applied to all of the locations considered. The supporting evidence is set out in Appendix 1.

2. Cabinet could decide to not proceed with the project to relocate the city library. This is not recommended as the library relocation is necessary to allow the Hereford Museum & Art Gallery (HMAG) project to proceed. The HMAG project will provide a valuable world class museum to the city of Hereford which will increase the footfall, support economic growth and help increase skills levels within the county. If the library relocation was not to proceed the funding already secured for HMAG would be lost.