Content

9.1

The Executive Director City Futures submitted a
report containing a proposed way forward for the future of the
Central Library/Graves Gallery building, with potential timeline,
for Member discussion and approval.
 
Central Library/Graves Gallery building is a
beloved Sheffield landmark which needs to be reimagined for the
future. Members need good information on the feasibility of various
options for its future, to help decide a way
forward.
 
Integral to this process
are:
 
• A vision and location for Central Library
and Archive services.
 
• A vision and feasibility for the future
use of the building, as a nationally significant destination
gallery.
 
Resources for repair surveys are required
immediately to allow a repair programme to be designed and costed,
and progress made as options are
considered.

 

 

9.2

RESOLVED UNANIMOUSLY: That Strategy and
Resources Policy Committee:-

 

 

 

(a) approves the
process of exploring the options for the future of the Central
Library/Graves Gallery building, as set out in the report,
including:
 

·      
Further work to understand the full extent of the Central Library
building’s condition

·      
Development of a vision for a 21st Century Central Library and
Archives including options for how and where this could be
located

·      
Development of the vision and work to assess the viability of
transforming Central Library/Graves building into a nationally
significant destination gallery;
 
(b) approves the
use of reserves of £420k to fund initial surveying
costs, to begin facilitation of an interim repair programme to be
designed and costed;
 
(c) notes a
request for funding to be identified to support further design
costs as well as a financial model to support identified investment
in the Building as part of the
Accommodation Strategy;
 
(d) notes the
interdependencies with the City Centre Accommodation Strategy;
 
(e) notes the
potential outline timeline for the activities, including a further
report in June 2024;
 
(f) notes that
Place Feasibility Funding is being sought to support the
options/visioning activity in Recommendation (a);
and
 
(g) endorses the
development of a public engagement plan for the elements of this
project

 

 

9.3

Reasons for Decision

 

 

9.3.1

The
recommendation above set out a process and indicative timescale for
gaining the in-depth information needed to inform future decisions
on the Central Library/Graves Gallery.
 
Without this
additional information, Members will not be able to make a
well-grounded decision.
 
There is real
urgency for the future of this Sheffield landmark to be secured,
with the potential for exciting options for future gallery and
library development. However, the financial, operational and service provision implications need
to be fully understood.

 

 

9.4

Alternatives Considered and
Rejected

 

 

9.4.1

Other options have been considered but are not
recommended:
• Do nothing – which would have consequences for
health and safety, would lead to the building’s closure, and
would incur costs in keeping the building
secure.
• Take a decision without the feasibility
work.
• Members have already made clear that they do not wish to
vacate the building and market it as a development
opportunity

 

 

9.4.2

By commissioning additional information and survey work to
inform the long-term development of the Central Library/Graves
Gallery, Members will have the best opportunity to make a sound
choice on the future of the building. Without this additional
information it will be difficult to make an appropriate choice;
therefore, an alternative option is not being
considered.