Work is due to start on a £430,000 renovation of a Cornish library after progress was hampered by the Covid pandemic.
Real Ideas Organisation, the social enterprise behind successful redevelopment projects in Plymouth, is looking to make up for lost time and appoint key staff to work on the Liskeard Library project.
The community interest company is looking for Cornwall or Devon building contractors to work on the scheme and wants to appoint a self-employed site manager to work on the revamp of the Grade II listed building.
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Real Ideas said the pandemic delayed full progression of the project, but stressed it had been undertaking preliminary works to ready the building for the main construction.
These actions have included removal of dry rot from the site and undertaking a soft strip of the building, on Barras Street, to get rid of old carpets, sanitaryware, ceiling tiles and other elements.
Real Ideas’ vision is to create a renovated library building, to increase the numbers and diversity of people who practically use the library and to connect more effectively with the wider community so Liskeard Library can be a gateway to experiences that support, enrich and extend activities across the town.
Cornwall Council, which owns the library, has allocated £250,000 to the project and Real Ideas has also secured a £180,000 grant from the Architectural Heritage Fund to help pay for the refurbishment.
The building, designed by renowned architect John Passmore Edwards, was constructed as a purpose-built library for the town in 1896 but has fallen into a poor state of repair.
The architectural design process has created a scheme to open up and simplify the layout to create attractive, flexible, contemporary spaces.
On the ground floor, the primary space will incorporate the library books, sofas, chairs and tables, a place to work, study, learn, play and meet others during the day. In the evening, it can work as a book club, a space for cultural/ creative events, or a gaming environment for example.
There will be a kitchen, not only for use by the library but as a resource for local groups and entrepreneurs. Currently redundant office space will be removed to create a courtyard, an inside/outside space to accommodate small-scale performance and visual art.
Upstairs, the focus will be co-working for local organisations, community businesses and social entrepreneurs with meeting and learning spaces to hire, plus business support, networking, and events. Excellent digital connectivity will be installed throughout the building, connecting with and supporting local enterprise.
Real Ideas is now on the hunt for a site manager to oversee and manage the refurbishment and development of the renovation, which will be undertaken in a number of phases.
The project team is also scouting out experienced contractors covering all of the building trades including electricians, steel workers, plasterers, carpenters and general builders.
Full architectural plans have been created by Saltash-based CFD Architects and once the right team is in-place, the project is set for immediate progression.
Lenna Bithell, project manager, said: “Like many key build projects, the pandemic has created challenges and an unfortunate delay but we are now able to press forward.
“Projects of this type and scale generally involve us taking on an overall contractor, however, at this time, and with this building, we are exceedingly keen to take a different route, asking all local tradesmen and women to consider this opportunity. We would dearly like to have a localised team on the job.”
She added: “We are looking for someone to work on a self-employed basis for the site manager role and the initial job is for the Phase One works. For anyone who is not already self-employed, we can offer support to help set you up under the relevant requirements.
“The same goes for the contractor positions as we are extremely open-minded about how we recruit as many local people as possible for this exciting job for Liskeard.”
Real Ideas marked its 15th anniversary in late January 2022. During that time it has had particular success in finding innovative new uses for disused or empty spaces, renovating redundant buildings, and bringing new facilities and jobs to an area, as well as innovative workspaces, co-working spaces in particular). The Market Hall and Guildhall, in Devonport, and Ocean Studios in Plymouth’s Royal William Yard are examples of this.
The Market Hall, a world-class space for digital innovation and learning, opened in the summer of 2021, and is home to an immersive dome, a range of flexible co-working and inspiring workspaces, large meeting rooms and event spaces, as well as a café/bar.
