Jodi Gramigni writes:
Great news! Kensal Rise Library has been added to the Brent Local Authority "List of Assets of Community Value".(Harrow Observer: Kilburn Times:)
This is extremely good news because it confirms the buildings significance as a Community Asset under the new legislation. Please see this LINK for further information:
In fact, Kensal Rise Library is already considered a special resource, and is also listed as a Non-Designated Heritage Asset in Brent, more commonly referred to as "Locally Listed". Being Locally Listed does not afford the same protection as English Heritage Listing, but it does require extra care and consideration by the Planners in regard to changes to the building, including change of use (i.e. from community use to residential use).
Why is this important? Because All Souls has chosen to sell Kensal Rise Library to developers for conversion to private flats even though the library is Locally Listed. Although we did not expect that All Souls would necessarily choose our bid, we did believe that they would choose a bidder who was sympathetic to the planning restrictions in place (i.e. school, charity, library, etc), because they advised us that community use was their preferred option. Sadly, as you know, this was not the case.
However, now that the Kensal Rise Library has been added to the "List of Assets of Community Value", we can prepare a bid (to buy) the building and try to keep it as a community resource. This is an important decision for the community and one that will be need to be thoughtfully considered and discussed in days to come.
You may be wondering if it is necessary, or if in fact if it is reasonable, to consider preparing a bid to buy Kensal Rise Library if All Souls has already offered us an area for a small library.
The truth is, the area All Souls College has offered only practically allows enough space to have one reading room. Because of this limited size we would most likely need to choose either an Adults Library or a Children's Library. As you might imagine we would like a better outcome for the community than a small one room library surrounded by flats. We have, of course, requested more space in our ongoing negotiations, and while nothing concrete has been forthcoming, we are always ready and willing to discuss alternative proposals. In the meanwhile this new development - Community Asses designation - supports the the buildings main function as a library and gives us another option to consider.
This will be our third Christmas campaigning for Kensal Rise Library. As the holidays approach, and frost envelops the pop-up, it is worth remembering that while the land was generously gifted over 112 years ago, the building was paid for by local subscription and donations. This community has always been, and will always be, committed to achieving a fair outcome, a moral outcome, and a just outcome, for our library.
Many thanks for all of your support!
Kind regards,
Jodi
Great news! Kensal Rise Library has been added to the Brent Local Authority "List of Assets of Community Value".(Harrow Observer: Kilburn Times:)
This is extremely good news because it confirms the buildings significance as a Community Asset under the new legislation. Please see this LINK for further information:
In fact, Kensal Rise Library is already considered a special resource, and is also listed as a Non-Designated Heritage Asset in Brent, more commonly referred to as "Locally Listed". Being Locally Listed does not afford the same protection as English Heritage Listing, but it does require extra care and consideration by the Planners in regard to changes to the building, including change of use (i.e. from community use to residential use).
Why is this important? Because All Souls has chosen to sell Kensal Rise Library to developers for conversion to private flats even though the library is Locally Listed. Although we did not expect that All Souls would necessarily choose our bid, we did believe that they would choose a bidder who was sympathetic to the planning restrictions in place (i.e. school, charity, library, etc), because they advised us that community use was their preferred option. Sadly, as you know, this was not the case.
However, now that the Kensal Rise Library has been added to the "List of Assets of Community Value", we can prepare a bid (to buy) the building and try to keep it as a community resource. This is an important decision for the community and one that will be need to be thoughtfully considered and discussed in days to come.
You may be wondering if it is necessary, or if in fact if it is reasonable, to consider preparing a bid to buy Kensal Rise Library if All Souls has already offered us an area for a small library.
The truth is, the area All Souls College has offered only practically allows enough space to have one reading room. Because of this limited size we would most likely need to choose either an Adults Library or a Children's Library. As you might imagine we would like a better outcome for the community than a small one room library surrounded by flats. We have, of course, requested more space in our ongoing negotiations, and while nothing concrete has been forthcoming, we are always ready and willing to discuss alternative proposals. In the meanwhile this new development - Community Asses designation - supports the the buildings main function as a library and gives us another option to consider.
This will be our third Christmas campaigning for Kensal Rise Library. As the holidays approach, and frost envelops the pop-up, it is worth remembering that while the land was generously gifted over 112 years ago, the building was paid for by local subscription and donations. This community has always been, and will always be, committed to achieving a fair outcome, a moral outcome, and a just outcome, for our library.
Many thanks for all of your support!
Kind regards,
Jodi
Shame out Labour Councillors didn't see it as "an Asset of Community Value" BEFORE they closed it.
ReplyDeleteI agree, it is a shame, and those councilors who pushed for closure are not forgotten. Hopefully we now have an opportunity, with Brent Council's support, to enure a better outcome for the community. Let's see what develops...
DeleteShame that the Conservative-Liberal Democrat government slashed over £100 million from Brent's budget
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely true, but Brent Council has managed to spend £250k maintaining the empty library buildings: http://bit.ly/12pbg9u Doesn't really add up...
DeleteWhile what you're being offered might not be all you could possibly wish for (what is?!), I can't help but think of all the rural communities which would be delighted with 1500sq ft of space! My local library (serving over 3,500 people) is one room of about 250sq ft, which has only ever been open for about 12 hours a week, and there aren't three other libraries within just over a one mile radius, as are around Kensal Rise.
ReplyDeleteIn reply to the above comment re rural libraries: Why don't you fight for something better in your area instead of attacking those who are doing so in theirs? You also miss the point that Kensal Rise is extremely densely populated - Brent is not made up of rural 20 acre farms so your comparison is fatuous.
ReplyDeleteShame that Labour can't say anything better than "boo hoo, the Tories made us do it". At least the Tories and LibDems come at you face on - Labour just stabs you in the back. How about Labour leading a real fightback against the cuts?
ReplyDelete