Decision details

Future management of Moorland Road Library building (WL)

Decision Maker: Cabinet Member - Finance and Efficiency, Cabinet Member - Transformation and Customer Services

Decision status: Approved

Is Key decision?: No

Is subject to call in?: Yes

Purpose:

The proposal to lease the current branch library building to Moorland Road Community Library charity. This forms part of the Modern Libraries programme.

Decision:

The Cabinet Members agree to :-

 

  Delegate to the Head of Estates authority to complete the disposal of Moorland Road Library into a final lease with Moorland Road Community Library in line with the Heads of Terms attached.

 

  Abate the rent to a peppercorn subject to the Moorland Road Community Library satisfying the Council that they will use the premises for the purposes set out in their Business Plan. 

Reasons for the decision:

This option has been chosen as it enables the Council to implement its policy for Community Run Libraries and it enables the Modern Libraries Programme to achieve its overall savings target.

 

The Council has committed to delivering three Core Libraries (Bath, Keynsham and Midsomer Norton) and by working more closely with local community it can continue to deliver a comprehensive library offer which is tailored to the local community’s needs.

 

Moorland Road Community Library (Bath) (MRCL) will maintain the current library use as well as other activities including: internet access, participating in national library literacy schemes, book groups for children and adults, other events and a space for hire.

Alternative options considered:

This option has been chosen as it enables the Council to implement its policy for Community run libraries and it enables the Modern Libraries Programme to achieve its overall savings target.  It provides the Community with a valuable resource and helps to maintain a valued library service.

This is the only proposal that has been received for this location and it meets the criteria set out for Community Run Libraries.

Publication date: 07/05/2019

Date of decision: 04/05/2019

Effective from: 15/05/2019

Accompanying Documents: