Plans to transform a historic Sefton library into a community venue are “progressing well” despite planning applications being withdrawn, according to Sefton Council.
Proposals to convert the library, which was closed down amid a round of cuts in 2013, into an events space with bistro and offices have been beset by challenges since Cunard Construction Ltd were appointed by Sefton Council last year to renovate the grade II listed Crosby building.
So concerned were Sefton Council earlier this year that in March they announced they were “seeking clarification” from the developer as to whether they were still intending to progress with the scheme.
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By September, the council said there were hopes of a solution.
In a report recommending the extension of a lease on the building for Cunard Construction from three years to 16 years, the report said the developer was no longer able to fund the work itself due to rising costs.
The company had, however, found an alternative source of funding from an unnamed third party who were interesting investing – but only if they were handed a 15 year lease to run part of the building.
That decision to grant that lease, which came into effect on September 14, meant there was hope the renovation could be moved forward and completed within 12 months, according to the report.
However, this week two planning applications that were submitted earlier this year for a change of use and extension to the library were withdrawn.
Following the withdrawal of the applications, the ECHO contacted Sefton Council to ask whether the scheme was still going ahead as planned and whether the lease had now been handed over as previously agreed.
A spokesperson for Sefton Council told the ECHO it remained “wholly committed” to finding a solution to the building’s restoration needs, adding that it has “demonstrated a continued commitment to working with the successful third-party bidder for this scheme.”
The spokesperson said: “We can confirm that the planned scheme design is progressing well with the third party investor being integral to these plans, in support of Cunard.
“All necessary approvals are in place for Sefton Council officers to finalise the lease negotiations, however as is standard practice, there are a number of minor details which are still being discussed.
“Any subsequent scheme will be subject to statutory planning approvals.”
The spokesperson added: “Sefton Council remains eager to bring this much-loved and valued asset back in to use and we will update our communities on any further progression in due course.”
Cunard Construction Ltd was also contacted for comment.
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