Issue - meetings

This report seeks approval to submit a bid to the Community Library strand of the Big Lottery Fund in order to refurbish and extend Tang Hall library and deliver a library learning centre. 

Advice of the Advisory Panel

That the Executive Member be advised to:

• Approve the submission of a bid to the Community Library strand of the Big Lottery Fund.

Decision of the Executive Member

RESOLVED:             That the advice of the Advisory Panel be accepted and endorsed.

REASON:                  To refurbish and extend Tang Hall Library and deliver a library learning centre.

Members considered a report that sought their approval to submit a bid to the Community Library strand of the Big Lottery fund in order to refurbish and extend Tang Hall library and deliver a library learning centre.  There is an overall fund of £80 million and 149 library authorities are eligible to apply for this.

Members asked if the bid of £800k would be enough to cover all costs and the Officer stated that the bid was now for just over £1 million and this included inflation at 7%.

Members then considered the following options:

Option A        to submit a bid to the Big Lottery to improve the existing building

Option B       not to submit a bid but to look instead for alternative ways to provide a new library building in the future perhaps through developments associated with Metcalfe Lane or any future plans for Tang Hall School.

Advice of the Advisory Panel

That the Executive Member be advised to:

• Approve the submission of a bid to the Community Library strand of the Big Lottery Fund.

Decision of the Executive Member

RESOLVED:             That the advice of the Advisory Panel be accepted and endorsed.

REASON:                  To refurbish and extend Tang Hall Library and deliver a library learning centre.