Council chiefs say a £1.2million project to deliver a new library will create a “first class” facility in Lichfield.
Final plans have been unveiled for St Mary’s in the Market Square as it prepares to become the new home of the city’s library.
The controversial move will see the facility switched from its current home at The Friary, which will then be converted for residential accommodation.
But Cllr Gill Heath said the plans, which will include a permanent museum, exhibition and performance space, would pay off in the long term.
The Cabinet member at Staffordshire County Council responsible for libraries, said: “This investment will ensure a first class library in the heart of Lichfield for the next 30 years, safeguard the future of two landmark buildings and support shops and businesses around St Mary’s.”
The plans will go on display between 11.30am and 2.30pm in Market Square on June 5, and between 4pm and 6pm at The Friary on the same day.
The new library will also include Wi-Fi, touchscreen tables, large computer tablets and two 3D printers.
Caroline Kerr, business development manager of the Guild of St Mary’s, said: “We want to make St Mary’s the beating cultural heart of the community, building aspirations and skills through engagement with the city’s vibrant history and the arts.
“This innovative and unique venture will combine arts, history and education to engage and unite wide and diverse audiences focusing on schools, young people and hard-to-reach groups not traditionally involved with museums.
“We are delighted to be working with our partners at Staffordshire County Council on this exciting project for Lichfield.”
£1.2 million? Previously, it was £1 million.
But Cllr Gill Heath, Staffordshire County Council’s cabinet member responsible for libraries, said the move would secure both sites: “The £1 million investment will ensure a first class library in the heart of Lichfield, safeguard the future of two landmark buildings and support shops and businesses around St Mary’s.
//lichfieldlive.co.uk/2016/07/28/controversial-plan-to-move-lichfield-library-to-st-marys-in-the-market-square-is-approved/
If the county council couldn’t afford the £1 million repair bill for The Friary, where have they found £1.2 million for the new library?