Plans to transform a historic Sefton Library have been left in uncertainty after a “period of inactivity” from the contractors tasked with its restoration.
The former Carnegie Library in Crosby was closed in December 2013 as part of a council cash-saving drive.
In May 2020, Sefton Council put out an advert seeking companies interested in rental offers for a leasehold interest in the building.
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The plan was for the chosen company to enter into a “building agreement” to carry out repairs on the library for 20 months before entering a long-term lease.
In March last year, Sefton Council announced it had chosen a third-party bidder to help bring the building back into use as a flexible business hub and community cafe.
The company, Cunard Construction (CC) Ltd, was the only organisation to respond to the advert.
After being announced as the successful bidder, a council spokesperson said the company was keen to “return the building for full use for community groups, families and local businesses.”
As well as a space for small business, a bistro and outdoor bar and seating area was proposed for the grade II listed building, which has been empty for more than eight years and is in a state of some disrepair.
This week, however, Sefton Council said it was now “seeking clarification” from the project contractors as to whether the scheme remained “deliverable” after what was described as a “period of inactivity.”
A spokesperson for Sefton Council said: “The Council remains wholly committed to doing all it can to support the long-term restoration of the former Carnegie Library building and has demonstrated a commitment to working with the successful third-party bidder for the scheme.
“However, after a period of inactivity on site we are seeking confirmation from said third-party bidder that this project remains deliverable.
“Sefton Council remains eager to bring this much-loved asset back in to use, and to prevent further deterioration of the building itself, we are taking preventative steps to protect its fabric and ensure it is wind and water-tight in the intervening period.”
“We hope to be able to continue with the current contract, but are actively monitoring progress to determine the most appropriate next steps”
“This building is valued by the Council and the local community, and therefore we will take the necessary steps to ensure that this building is brought back in to use.”
Cunard Construction has been approached for comment.
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