An historic Merseyside building that has been closed for more than nine years is one step closer to reopening.
In December popular coffee shop Moose announced its plans to take over part of The Carnegie Library in Crosby which was shut down by the council in 2013. Plans have now been formally submitted by developer Cunard Construction (CC) Ltd to turn the library into "office space, a digital hub", and a "family restaurant."
The developers hope to "promote economic growth, tourism, and jobs creation" to help the borough of Sefton "diversify and thrive". The application was submitted to the council on January 3.
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The Heritage Statement said: "In summary, it involves minor internal alterations to provide three distinct spaces for use as an office, a co-working office with meeting space, and a family restaurant. Internal heritage features will be retained and restored where possible and will be used to inform interior design choices throughout the development.
"The intention is to enhance and improve the internal environment to a modern contemporary quality whilst also promoting the historical nature of the building. All alterations are intended to be constructed as reversible, such that any modern additions could be removed at a future date if desired."
Crosby’s Carnegie Library is one of 2,509 libraries across the world built between 1883 and 1929 with money donated by Scottish-American businessman and philanthropist Andrew Carnegie. There were originally 660 Carnegie libraries in the UK and Ireland.
The most interesting aspect of the report is the proposed family-style restaurant and in a post on Facebook, Moose said the development would be an "incredibly exciting project".
The Design and Accesses statement said: "The South Wing is designated as space for a family restaurant. All internal modifications are intended to be non-intrusive and removable at a future date to maintain the heritage charm of the building
"An existing timber screen located near the entrance door is retained and incorporated into the proposed dining room layout. At ground floor, the room is left as an open-plan dining area, along with a bar and catering kitchen.
"A new platform is added to create a first floor above the kitchen, providing additional dining space. A service door gives access from Carnegie Avenue to the kitchen, with a staff office located on the first floor for restaurant use."
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