In September 2021 we highlighted how Sefton Council had allowed Carnegie Library to deteriorate, since it was closed by the Labour Councillors in December 2013.
As we approach the 10th anniversary of the closure of this much-loved building, we have looked at the steps this Council has taken to try and safeguard the building.
This historic Grade II Listed building was opened in 1905 for the people of Crosby by the philanthropist Andrew Carnegie.
During the last 9 years the Council made several attempts to find a tenant for the building, who would be responsible for carrying out essential repairs to the building, most of which had been brought about by the Council’s neglect since the building closed.
The most recent attempt was in November 2019 when the Council invited tenders for a suitable developer/occupier. Only one bid was received, but it still took this Council 7 months to review the bid. It was not until June 2020 when the Council’s Cabinet Member accepted the tender from Cunard Construction Ltd, designating them as the preferred bidder, conditional upon planning consent being granted by Sefton Council.
Cunard Construction’s intention was to repair the building, creating a business hub, community café and a headquarters office for themselves.
Cunard’s name-signs were proudly fixed to the railings and there was every intention that things were starting to happen. Various Labour Councillors stood in their high-vis jackets to have their photographs taken – having themselves contributed absolutely nothing to the venture.
After carrying out survey and design works in February 2021 Cunard submitted an application to Sefton’s Planning Department for Listed Building Consent and Change of Use. The application was considered by Sefton’s Planners but by November 2022 with no decision having been made by the planners, the applicant withdrew their application. Some 21 months had been lost.
In January 2023, Cunard Construction submitted a new application for Listed Building Consent for the change of use from public library to an office, digital hub and restaurant with outdoor seating provision, with a single storey extension to the rear, insertion of a mezzanine floor at first floor level, and associated repairs, landscaping and signage. This was approved remarkably swiftly by the Planning Officer on 28th February 2023 but with some 8 important conditions.
The first of these required that within 6 months of the date of this consent, a detailed timetable for repair, completion and restoration of the building, including the details of materials to be used, including those for the proposed extension shall be submitted to and approved in writing by the local planning authority.
On 30th March 2023 Cunard Construction lodged an application with the Council outlining the materials they proposed to use but omitted to provide the necessary detailed timetable. As at August 2023, some 5 months later, the application has not been determined by the Council. There is no indication why this has taken so long or when, if ever, it is likely to be approved or refused.
Meanwhile, Moose Coffee have indicated that they wish to lease one third of the building, fronting Carnegie Avenue. The remaining two thirds, comprising offices and the digital hub, appears more vague. Cunard Construction have appointed local property agents to try and find office tenants for this part of the building, on 15 year leases.
Has the Council lost interest in the building and allowing it to fall into further neglect?
With no lease in place, responsibility for the building’s ongoing management and maintenance therefore continues to remain the responsibility of Sefton Council which, despite their so-called commitment to heritage and historic buildings, have allowed the grounds to become overgrown and the library exposed to its 10th winter as a vacant building. It is impressive the note that the Crosby Wombles managed to gain entry into the grounds to clear litter, which again the Council had neglected to do. But why has the Council not carried out basic tree management to enhance the appearance of this corner site, and reduce the amount of leaves which annually block the gutters and rainwater pipes?
Sefton’s Labour Council has a track record of failing to maintain its historic buildings and conservation areas, many of which are now on the “At Risk” register.
Why have the Local Labour Councillors not provided an update for the local community, describing what steps they are taking to safeguard this Listed Building? Why are our local councillors not showing leadership and bringing together all interested parties to expedite the repair and refurbishment of the building?
It is curious that local Labour Ward Councillors no longer see the building as a photo opportunity, unless they wish to demonstrate how they have allowed a fine, popular local building to deteriorate into an overgrown wasteland during their time in office. What next – the bulldozers and the creation of another housing site, just as they did with the nearby Alexandra Hall.
