A land deal which could see a new purpose built library in Chislehurst on the existing library site has been agreed in principle.
The development would also include healthcare facilities on the same site, with proposals subject to planning, with this taken forwards by Prime Developments, the developer. Whilst elements of the agreement remain confidential, the land agreement would secure the future of the library at the site in a modern purpose built library.
Councillor Peter Morgan, Executive Councillor for Renewal, Recreation and Housing said, “This is very positive news for the future of the library and for Chislehurst and will help us deliver first class services for local people. We have been looking to transform our libraries in recent years and this latest proposal builds on successful work in Biggin Hill, Penge and Orpington, where a multi-million investment has resulted in greater use of these facilities which offer both the more traditional library service, with books very much in vogue alongside a high-tech offer catering for modern needs as well.”
Councillor Morgan continued, “This latest proposal for the Chislehurst library meets both our continued need to carefully steward council taxpayer funds whilst also improving services. I am optimistic we will see this move forwards now, even in this difficult pandemic period. We did want to publicly share this welcome news as soon as we could, which will be subject to consultation as part of the planning process which the developer will need to bring forwards.”
Councillor Suraj Sharma, Chislehurst ward Councillor and Vice-Chairman, Renewal, Recreation and Housing Policy Development and Scrutiny Committee said, “On behalf of Ward Councillor colleagues, Councillor Kieran Terry and Councillor Katy Boughey, we welcome this decision, which is very good news for Chislehurst. We believe the proposals will be well received by residents and they have shown a lot of interest in the future of the library site which has been the focus of local discussion for a while now.”
It is envisaged that library facilities will still be available in Chislehurst during the construction phase and further details about this will be shared in the coming months. The Executive decision follows the Renewal, Recreation and Housing PDS Committee meeting on 2 September.