Liverpool City Council is lining up a contractor for the multi-million pound renovation of the city’s former Andrew Carnegie Library.

Cabinet members are expected to progress with the appointment of a firm to help transform the vacant Grade II-listed building on Lister Drive into a ‘community hub’.

Said to currently be in a “state of disrepair” the library closed in 2006 and is now the subject of proposals by charitable organisation Lister Steps to restore and adapt it in collaboration with the council.

The organisation is looking to breathe new life into the building, creating a space for childcare, employment and training activities, and a range of community services and activities.

A report to be discussed during a cabinet meeting on Friday (22 February) suggests two contractors of the five who initially tendered remain in the running to carry out the scheme, which was granted a £3.9 million Heritage Lottery Fund grant in 2016 along with £500,000 committed by the local authority.

An undisclosed report is said to highlight the most “economically advantageous” tender, which is recommended to be awarded the contract by the cabinet.

Lister Steps has appointed a project team, which has already secured planning and listed building consent for the work, and intends to take a 125-year lease of the library upon completion of the project, which is being scheduled for April 2020.

The report to cabinet suggests the scheme will bring positive outcomes for the city including security for the future of the currently vacant listed building and a reduction in the council’s liabilities in relation to the property, including liability for repair and maintenance costs to the premises.

Other highlighted advantages include providing an income to the local authority through rental payment, the creation of six new direct jobs as well as additional training opportunities, and a range of community services.

The report adds: “In addition to the provision of affordable childcare services Lister Steps will also provide a range of community facilities including: a free drop in legal advice clinic for local people in collaboration with a local law firm; community photography workshops; and events such as Heritage Open Days and the Community Business Challenge event.

“For the duration of the contract it is proposed that a range of community outreach and training opportunities be delivered by the main contractor in partnership with the Lister Steps community engagement manager. This will include a programme of education, training and volunteering activities facilitated by the Museum of Liverpool.”

Related posts:

Historic library restoration to begin as £3.9m grant is secured Café, bar and hotel lined up for empty Duke Street building Calderstones Mansion transformation underway Closed down Garston Urban Village Hall could be revived Plans to transform disused Liverpool church into community hub Anfield man to show hidden art talent in exhibition of star-studded drawings