Content

10.1

The Head of Libraries, Archives and Information
Services introduced the report which provided
a briefing to the Communities, Parks
and Leisure Committee regarding the process being proposed to
Strategy and Resources Committee in December 2023 for the timeline
and requirement for feasibility funding to develop a solution for
the Graves Buildings, which hosts the Central Library and Graves
Gallery.
 

10.2

RESOLVED
UNANIMOUSLY: That
the Communities, Parks and Leisure Policy
Committee:-
 
1.    
Note the contents of the report.
2.    
Note that further updates and decisions (where
required) on the future role of the library service and Central
Library offer will be brought to the CPL committee for
approval.
3.    
Note that decisions regarding the Graves Building,
including financial decisions will be made by the Strategy and
Resources Committee

10.3

Reasons for
Decision

10.3.1

The
recommendation approved 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.
 

10.4

Alternatives Considered and
Rejected

10.4.1

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

10.4.2

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.