The council is considering various options for Grimsby Central Library’s future while ensuring urgent repairs are funded
Council leader Cllr Philip Jackson mentioned this during a budget meeting. They’re looking at a draft budget that suggests a 3.98% rise in council tax. This includes a 1.98% increase on the regular tax and an extra 2% for adult social care.
Right now, the library is only open on the ground and first floors. Back in 2021, the council got £20.9 million from the Towns Fund to help revamp parts of the town, including the library. They planned to spend £4.2 million on it, hoping to open up some upper floors for public use, possibly creating a green skills hub.
However, costs for the Freshney Place leisure scheme have skyrocketed to nearly £50 million. So, they’ve shifted most of the library funds, about £3.7 million, to help with that shopping center project instead. Cllr Lyndsey Downes raised this concern during the budget meeting.
She pointed out that while there’s no specific funding for the library right now, everyone knows it needs some work. Cllr Jackson assured her that they have money available for any urgent repairs to keep the library running.
He also said they’re still exploring options for the library’s future use. He made it clear that they don’t plan to demolish it. The library will stay part of the community and continue to be used.
The council has started a public consultation about library services. The first phase is done, and the second phase will kick off soon with actual proposals. One idea is to merge Cleethorpes Library with the leisure center there.
As for Grimsby Central Library, there’s no firm plan yet to keep it in Town Hall Square or move it elsewhere. They’re considering expanding its services to include a skills hub, though.
In the first round of consultations, people were asked about libraries in shopping centers and leisure centers. More folks were against that idea than for it. But many wanted more services at the library, with banking being one suggestion.
The library wasn’t the only topic at the meeting. Cllr Steve Holland asked about potential costs for the Corporation Bridge. Cllr Stewart Swinburn confirmed they’re looking into that and will provide updates in February.
Cllr Kevin Shutt raised concerns about flood prevention work done last year on Broadway, Grimsby. He asked if more work would be needed since it still flooded. Cllr Swinburn said no further work is planned there, just some planting in drainage areas.
Cllr Jackson reassured everyone that there are no cuts to services in this budget. He mentioned improvements in children’s services but noted that more investment is needed there.
He also highlighted some risks to the budget, including the recent National Insurance increase. Cllr Stephen Harness said they expect to receive £1.6 million from the government to help cover those costs.
