Lewisham invites formal proposals for library buildings


From Lewisham Council:

The Council now invites proposals in relation to the following properties:
  • Crofton Park Library 375 Brockley Road, Brockley, London, SE4 2AG
  • Grove Park Library Somertrees Avenue, London, SE12 OBX
  • New Cross Library 283-285 New Cross Road, London, SE14 6AS
  • Sydenham Library 210 Sydenham Road, London, SE26 5SE
The London Borough of Lewisham now seeks to grant a lease/leases of the above premises to secure community use within them. In particular any party interested in taking a lease/leases from the Council would be required to grant appropriate rights to the Council in relation to part of the premises from which the Council will provide some library services.

The Council is keen to ensure that these premises play a central role in the life of the local community. In their proposal any interested party will need to address whether they intend to offer any community use in addition to the library provision to be offered by the Council, though income generating use of the premises is not precluded.

The conditions of any lease will require the lessee to assume full repairing and maintenance obligations in respect of each building. Proposals may relate to one, some or all of the properties.

Those interested in submitting a proposal should contact us at librarybuildings@lewisham.gov.uk. Application packs will be available from 11th March 2011 and formal proposals must be received with all necessary supporting documentation by noon on 4th April 2011.

Further information is set out in the application pack, but interested parties should be aware that they will need to submit a full business case which demonstrates the viability of their proposal. They will also need to set out details of any community benefit they will deliver.

Blackheath Library is not included in this process as the Council does not own the library building.