Agenda item

As detailed negotiations are not finalised this part of the report is not for publication by virtue of Reg 4(2)(b) of the Local Authorities (Executive Arrangements) (Meetings and Access to Information) (England) Regulations 2012 and Paragraph 3 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972 on the basis that the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosing the information.

This information is included in the exempt Appendix 2

Cllr Lynden Stowe asked Cabinet to consider the proposal to re-locate Gloucester Library to the Former Debenhams building in the centre of Gloucester.

Having considered all of the information, Cabinet noted the report and

RESOLVED to:

1. Approve the relocation of the library in Gloucester from the current

location at Brunswick Road to the proposed location in the former

Debenhams building.

2. Delegate the authority to the Head of Library and Registration Services

to undertake public engagement on the detailed proposals to finalise

plans.

3. Delegate authority to the Assistant Director of Asset Management and

Property Services, in consultation with the Deputy Leader and Cabinet

Member for Finance and Change, to enter into a 25-year lease for the

property with the University of Gloucestershire.

4. Delegate authority to the Head of Library & Registration Services, in

consultation with the Cabinet Member for Fire, Community Safety and

Libraries, to :

a. conduct a competitive procurement process(es) in respect of

contract(s) for

i. the design of the public library space and to award such

contract to the preferred tenderer for the duration of up to

12 months, with an extension for up to 6 months

ii. the supply and installation of furniture and associated

fittings for the library and to award such contract(s) to the

preferred tenderer(s) for the duration of up to 1 year

b. award such contract(s) to the preferred tenderer(s)

c. determine whether to exercise the option to extend the contract for

the design of the public library space for a further period of not more

than 6 months on the expiry of the initial 12 month term.

Cllr Lynden Stowe asked Cabinet to consider the proposal to re-locate Gloucester Library to the Former Debenhams building in the centre of Gloucester.

Prior to the discussion, members were advised that, should Cabinet wish to discuss the contents of the exempt information reported in the  Appendix 2 of the report, consideration would need to be given as to whether the press and public should be excluded from the meeting in accordance with Regulation 4(2)(b) of the Local Authorities (Executive Arrangements) (Meetings and Access to Information) (England) Regulations 2012.

Cabinet agreed to consider this item without having to refer to the exempt information.

The recommendation to relocate Gloucester Library would enable the service to move to a more centralised location with better visibility and accessibility which, it is anticipated, will lead to an increase in library use.

It would also support the regeneration of this important building in the heart of the city as part of the wider plans for the creation of a new campus for teaching, learning and community partnerships, having been purchased by the University of Gloucestershire.  The move also provided opportunities for partnership working between the Public and University libraries which would enhance opportunities for the general public and University students.

Cllr Dave Norman outlined that this was a fantastic opportunity to offer a much improved location for these library services.  He referred to the innovation lab and the benefits of the new building. The move could happen at the beginning of 2024. The current library would remain fully operational until that point.

Members commented that this would present many opportunities for joined up community service provision with the university and other partners. This was part of the wider regeneration work going on in the heart of the city and was a good use of an iconic building.

Having considered all of the information, Cabinet noted the report and

RESOLVED to:

1. Approve the relocation of the library in Gloucester from the current

location at Brunswick Road to the proposed location in the former

Debenhams building.

2. Delegate the authority to the Head of Library and Registration Services

to undertake public engagement on the detailed proposals to finalise

plans.

3. Delegate authority to the Assistant Director of Asset Management and

Property Services, in consultation with the Deputy Leader and Cabinet

Member for Finance and Change, to enter into a 25-year lease for the

property with the University of Gloucestershire.

4. Delegate authority to the Head of Library & Registration Services, in

consultation with the Cabinet Member for Fire, Community Safety and

Libraries, to :

a. conduct a competitive procurement process(es) in respect of

contract(s) for

i. the design of the public library space and to award such

contract to the preferred tenderer for the duration of up to

12 months, with an extension for up to 6 months

ii. the supply and installation of furniture and associated

fittings for the library and to award such contract(s) to the

preferred tenderer(s) for the duration of up to 1 year

b. award such contract(s) to the preferred tenderer(s)

c. determine whether to exercise the option to extend the contract for

the design of the public library space for a further period of not more

than 6 months on the expiry of the initial 12 month term.