Issue - meetings

That:

1)        it be agreed in principle to relocate Wokingham Library to a new building on the Carnival Phase II site;

2)        approval to relocate is subject to a full impact assessment and detailed business case being agreed by the Executive Member for Resident Services;

3)        the proposal be publicised as soon as practical to enable feedback on these proposals and subsequently the design.

The Executive considered a report relating to the Relocation of Wokingham Library to the Carnival Pool site which would provide the Library Service with greater flexibility and adaptability in its service delivery.

The Executive Member for Resident Services outlined the rationale for the proposed relocation and advised that she wished to add a third recommendation which was asking the Executive to agree to the proposal being publicised as soon as practical to enable feedback on these proposals and subsequently the design.  Councillor Jorgensen felt that feedback from users and other residents on what they would like to see was a vital part of the process.

Members agreed that the proposed co-location was an exciting proposal.  Councillor Pollock commented that it would allow people to take advantage of the leisure offer and that the possibility of some business related work space could be considered.

Councillor Dolinski commented that he hoped that schools would be encouraged to participate in the consultation and that the opportunities which the proposal could bring would be highlighted.  Councillor Jorgensen commented that continued good access to libraries was important particularly for young children and school children.  Library staff had worked hard to improve footfall and initiatives such as ‘Read with Dad,’ ‘Rhyme Time’ and the ‘Summer Reading Challenge’ had helped contribute to this success.  She went on to comment that the current library had a lot of wasted space as a result of the stairs and being on two levels and that access could be improved.

Councillor Baker emphasised that no other local authority in Berkshire had built a new library, increased footfall and put in new technology.

RESOLVED That:

1)        it be agreed in principle to relocate Wokingham Library to a new building on the Carnival Phase II site;

2)        approval to relocate is subject to a full impact assessment and detailed business case being agreed by the Executive Member for Resident Services.

3)        the proposal be publicised as soon as practical to enable feedback on these proposals and subsequently the design.