Issue - decisions

RESOLVED:

That the Cabinet:

1)    Re-affirms the Council’s commitment to joined-up public services designed around residents’ needs and notes the progress made on the Library Service Strategy 2023-2027;

2)    Insofar as the proposal for the relocation of Uxbridge Library, agrees that it would, amongst other things as set out in the report:

·           Deliver services equal to or better than at the existing site and provide other benefits through its co-location at the Civic Centre;

·           Improve the health and safety for those with disabilities;

·           Achieve a net saving in carbon emissions of 165 tonnes CO2e per annum;

·           Generate an annual saving of approximately £412k;

3)    Having regard to the Equalities Impact Assessment and the benefits of a step free, one-floor library and taking into account the views expressed by library service users, agrees to the relocation of Uxbridge Library from UB8 1HD (High Street, Uxbridge) to UB8 1UW (Middlesex Suite & Civic Centre, Uxbridge) subject to satisfactory planning approval being granted and the closure of the existing site at a time to be determined by the Cabinet Member for Residents’ Services.

Reasons for decision

The Cabinet Member for Residents’ Services presented a comprehensive report providing an update on the Library Strategy and on the proposal for relocating Uxbridge Library to the Middlesex Suite at the Civic Centre. The report required a minor correction regarding the location history of the library. The Cabinet Member noted that the proposed move had been extensively discussed, including through petitions, emails and a public engagement exercise.

The Cabinet Member outlined the reasons for the relocation, emphasising concerns related to disability access, health and safety and the efficient use of resources. It was highlighted that the current building was not considered fit for purpose due to safety issues and inefficiencies. Moving the library to the Civic Centre was expected to result in reduced operating costs and a lower carbon footprint. Despite the attachment to the existing building, the Cabinet Member clarified that the relocation was a practical move within the town centre boundary, and not a closure.

The Cabinet Member explained the inadequacies of the current library building, including access challenges, unused space, and low book circulation and explained that the proposed new library at the Civic Centre would offer improved facilities, including study booths, meeting rooms and charging bars for electronic devices. The Cabinet Member also highlighted the presence of two other premier libraries in the Borough, reducing dependence on a single central library.

Additional benefits of the proposed move were listed in the report, along with an equalities impact assessment for consideration. It was noted that the relocation was contingent upon obtaining planning permission for a change of use. The Cabinet Member formally moved the recommendations in the report and the Leader of the Council then asked his Cabinet colleagues for their comments and questions.

Councillor Douglas Mills sought clarity, first asking about the extent of engagement with Uxbridge library users and then inquiring about the approach to ensuring continued operation and development of various groups if the library were relocated. The Cabinet Member responded, explaining that whilst no formal consultation was required, extensive engagement had taken place, including making plans available online, contacting regular users via email, and displaying posters in libraries borough-wide. It was reassured that there would be space for existing library user groups, including for the variability of demand among those groups.

The Leader of the Council then addressed points raised about perceived reductions in library service due to smaller floor space and inquired about the potential for library expansion in the Civic Centre. The Cabinet Member responded, noting the lower library usage post-pandemic and expressing confidence in the available extra space in the Middlesex Suite at the Civic Centre, should it be required in the future for any expansion.

From a property perspective, Councillor Bianco noted how the current Middlesex Suite was currently underused and provided little current value on the Council's operations, highlighting its outdated facilities and limited income generation from outside bookings.

Councillor Goddard was asked about the Council's financial plan and any dependency on realising capital from the present library site. The Cabinet Member clarified that the plans were fully financed independently of any potential capital receipt from selling the current library site.

The Leader of the Council then summarised the discussion, acknowledging resident concerns and highlighting several key points from the report, including the condition of the current library building, anticipated service benefits from co-locating services, reduction in carbon footprint, substantial revenue savings and potential for site expansion. He then asked Cabinet for their consideration of the recommendations in the report.

Giving due consideration to all the factors set out in the report, including the equality impact assessment, the Cabinet agreed to the report’s recommendations and the relocation of the Uxbridge Library to the Civic Centre in Uxbridge.

Alternative options considered and rejected

Alternative options, set out in the report considered by the Cabinet, were to stay at the current premises and tackle the legislative and environmental issues, but it was noted that significant capital investment would be needed. Other possibilities for the current site included leasing to partner organisations or selling it for capital receipt.