Agenda item

10.1

The Head of Libraries, Archives and Information Services introduced the report which provided a briefing to the Communities, Parks and Leisure Committee regarding the process being proposed to Strategy and Resources Committee in December 2023 for the timeline and requirement for feasibility funding to develop a solution for the Graves Buildings, which hosts the Central Library and Graves Gallery.

10.2

RESOLVED UNANIMOUSLY: That the Communities, Parks and Leisure Policy Committee:-

1.     Note the contents of the report.

2.     Note that further updates and decisions (where required) on the future role of the library service and Central Library offer will be brought to the CPL committee for approval.

3.     Note that decisions regarding the Graves Building, including financial decisions will be made by the Strategy and Resources Committee

10.3

Reasons for Decision

10.3.1

The recommendation approved set out a process and indicative timescale for gaining the in-depth information needed to inform future decisions on the Central Library/Graves Gallery.

Without this additional information, Members will not be able to make a well-grounded decision.

There is real urgency for the future of this Sheffield landmark to be secured, with the potential for exciting options for future gallery and library development.   However, the financial, operational and service-provision implications need to be fully understood.

10.4

Alternatives Considered and Rejected

10.4.1

Other options have been considered but are not recommended:

1. Do nothing – which would have consequences for health and safety, would lead to the building’s closure, and would incur costs in keeping the building secure.
2. Take a decision without the feasibility work.
3. Members have already made clear that they do not wish to vacate the building and market it as a development opportunity

10.4.2

By commissioning additional information and survey work to inform the long-term development of the Central Library/Graves Gallery, Members will have the best opportunity to make a sound choice on the future of the building.  Without this additional information it will be difficult to make an appropriate choice; therefore, an alternative option is not being considered.

10.1

The Head of Libraries, Archives and Information Services introduced the report which provided a briefing to the Communities, Parks and Leisure Committee regarding the process being proposed to Strategy and Resources Committee in December 2023 for the timeline and requirement for feasibility funding to develop a solution for the Graves Buildings, which hosts the Central Library and Graves Gallery.

10.2

RESOLVED UNANIMOUSLY: That the Communities, Parks and Leisure Policy Committee:-

1.     Note the contents of the report.

2.     Note that further updates and decisions (where required) on the future role of the library service and Central Library offer will be brought to the CPL committee for approval.

3.     Note that decisions regarding the Graves Building, including financial decisions will be made by the Strategy and Resources Committee

10.3

Reasons for Decision

10.3.1

The recommendation approved set out a process and indicative timescale for gaining the in-depth information needed to inform future decisions on the Central Library/Graves Gallery.

Without this additional information, Members will not be able to make a well-grounded decision.

There is real urgency for the future of this Sheffield landmark to be secured, with the potential for exciting options for future gallery and library development.   However, the financial, operational and service-provision implications need to be fully understood.

10.4

Alternatives Considered and Rejected

10.4.1

Other options have been considered but are not recommended:

1. Do nothing – which would have consequences for health and safety, would lead to the building’s closure, and would incur costs in keeping the building secure.
2. Take a decision without the feasibility work.
3. Members have already made clear that they do not wish to vacate the building and market it as a development opportunity

10.4.2

By commissioning additional information and survey work to inform the long-term development of the Central Library/Graves Gallery, Members will have the best opportunity to make a sound choice on the future of the building.  Without this additional information it will be difficult to make an appropriate choice; therefore, an alternative option is not being considered.