To consider implications and choices regarding Hereford library and museum in light of its current temporary closure and impacts on overall library, museums and customer services provision.

The cabinet member for contracts and assets introduced the report and confirmed that the question was not about the future of the library but how best to make best use of the building. It was currently the home for the library and the museum service and future options for library provision did need to be considered. Work to clear asbestos would go ahead with further reports to cabinet.

The cabinet member for economy and corporate services sought clarification that the £1m in the capital plan was available to support the recommendations, of which £86m would be allocated to addressing the asbestos and the feasibility of moving back into the building.  He sought further assurance that the museum was not forgotten. There were a number of suggestions that had been discussed regarding the future of libraries and it was important to make the point that there were other museum facilities and that they would be subject separate review.

The cabinet member for contracts and assets explained that there were other issues with the building that made it non complaint for public use and it would need more funding to meet this compliance which would mean rehousing the services.  A report on museums would come to cabinet in the new year.

In answer to a question from the group leader for Herefordshire Independents regarding provision in other authorities, the cabinet member explained that Worcestershire had its own provision and that Herefordshire needed to look at the local estate being compliant for the future.

The group leader of It’s Our County disagreed with the reference in the report to support for retaining a library service and fundraising.  He also pointed out that the report contained reference to restricted covenants meaning the building was only for the purpose of a free library although consideration had been given in the report to an alternative use for building.  With regard to consideration of future use, as the building was considered to be limited to use as a library, he suggested consideration be given to exploring future service for “a library in Hereford” and whether it is in the building or elsewhere, such as Belmont.

The head of corporate asset management clarified that the matter being considered was not the provision of a library service, although consideration was being given to how best to provide a library along with the suitability and cost of the current building or if a better service could be provided elsewhere. Consultation had taken place to establish if there was a more suitable offer for the public. Broad Street was not considered a good solution for many reasons and consideration was being given to finding an alternative in consultation with stakeholders. The covenant regarding the use of Broad Street had been uplifted to accommodate the museum and gallery and as covenants could be renegotiated a change of use was not being ruled out. 

The leader of the Green group commented on the value of looking at usage across the county and not just the city. Referring to the Hive in Worcester being a joint venture with the university there, she noted that there was a lot of activity in the building but there was no reference to plans for a university in Hereford and how libraries would link to this. With reference to the university, the Leader responded with the comment that a recommendation was to engage in dialogue with the library user group and would expect this matter to arise in those discussions.

In response to a question from the leader of It’s Our County, the assistant director, communities explained that the intention was to explore options with stakeholders rather than to pinpoint solutions.  Discussions had already started with the library user group and for the long term.

RESOLVED

THAT:

(a)        subject to Council approval of the capital programme in December 2015; the Hereford Library Users Group (working with other relevant stakeholders) be invited to confirm by the end of February 2016, whether or not they wish to work with the council to explore options for future service delivery of a library in Hereford;

(b)       subject to Council approval of the capital programme, works be undertaken at the earliest opportunity to remove asbestos from the Broad Street building at a cost of £86k; and

(c)        a further report be brought forward following consultation with stakeholders to determine a preferred option.