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
