Reassurances over library (From Salisbury Journal)

Reassurances over library

10:33am Wednesday 20th March 2013 in Headlines By Elizabeth Kemble

FEARS that Salisbury Library may be moved out of the city centre when the Maltings and Central Car Park redevelopment goes ahead have been dismissed by Wiltshire Council.

The concerns were raised at a Salisbury Area Board meeting on Thursday but Area Board chairman, Richard Clewer, said there was “no chance” it would leave the city centre.

He said: “This is absolutely not going to happen.

“If any relocation does take place, it would remain in the city centre, possibly moving to alongside the Playhouse and City Hall, creating a cultural quarter.”

According to Salisbury Vision, the historic facade of the library will be retained within the scheme.

A development agreement between the council and Stanhope Plc is due to be signed by Easter after Cabinet gave it the green light last month.

More than 1,000 visitors attended an exhibition held by the developer in December, providing feedback on the proposals, and another is planned for later this year.

Alistair Cunningham, Wiltshire Council service director for economy and enterprise, said: “The importance of improving the link between the existing city centre and the Maltings development was a theme of public concern that emerged from the public feedback from the December exhibition.

“No plans have been developed to deliver an improved link as yet and when proposals are developed they will be subject to extensive public and stakeholder consultation.

“To deliver an improved link may entail relocation or reconfiguration of the existing central library – if the library is relocated a new library will be provided within the city centre.”

For more information or to give your views on the Maltings redevelopment contact your local Wiltshire councillor or email info@salisbury-maltings.com.