I am very happy to see the council listen to the residents concerns here, and decide to reopen Southgate Library.
Conservatives were the first to raise concerns at Enfield Councils decision to close our library, and I am happy to see it will be renovated and have full time staff. See the email below sent to me, which outlines its plans in the future.
Dear Councillor Ioannou,
Please see a combination of Property and Library officer replies to your MEQ:-
1-Why was this decision taken?
In 2016 an informal, reciprocal agreement was made for Barnet & Southgate College to use the space in the original Southgate library building for their office use, in return for Enfield Council’s Southgate Library Service being located within the College’s student study area. The College has now requested that the Library Service vacate the student study area so they can expand provisions for their students, in time for the new term in September. In return, they are vacating the original library building, freeing it up again for Enfield Council’s use.
The move is expected to bring a new lease of life for Southgate Library. The revived offering will provide an exciting hub for the Southgate community with many prospects being considered for the new space including class visits and Toddler Times. We are investigating partnership opportunities and delivering exciting events. Equally the building will become an important provision for young people. We are expanding PC provision as know this is important to Southgate Library customers. We hope to be able to confirm a number of new activities in the near future.
Southgate Library will be moving in the weekend of 17-18 August, and will open the doors to its new home on Monday 19 August.
2-Was there ever a plan to sell the land to Southgate College?
The college have expressed interest in a joint discussion regarding the future of the site but there are no plans to sell it to them.
3-Will it be renovated to a decent standard?
Improvements to the building are currently being carried out to ensure that it is fit for purpose.
4-Will there be any extra facilities alongside the library it’s self?
As mentioned, many prospects are being considered for the new space including class visits and Toddler Times. We are investigating partnership opportunities and delivering exciting events. Equally the building will become an important provision for young people. We are expanding PC provision as know this is important to Southgate Library customers. We hope to be able to confirm a number of new activities in the near future.
5-Approximate cost of reopening?
The £82,000 expenditure will be funded within existing capital budgets, half by the Corporate Property Investment Programme (CPIP 2019-20 allocation) and half by the Libraries Capital Programme (CO10134).
6-Approximate numbs if staff?
The library staffing will remain the same at 1 FTE plus possible volunteer and partner support
