Hebden Bridge News

Have Your Say About Halifax Central Library

Library users are to get the chance to say where they would like to see the site of the proposed new Halifax Central Library. Members of Calderdale Council’s Cabinet have agreed to consult with users on three proposed options for the Central Library and Archive:

• Option 1 – That the Library and Archive remain where they are now
• Option 2 – Library and Archive to move to new facilities at another Halifax Town Centre location
• Option 3 – Library and Archive to become a part of any new development on the current Northgate House/Central Library site.

Calderdale Council’s Leader, Cllr. Stephen Baines, says the existing library was built 25 years ago and is in need of modernisation.

“The council committed to a new, purpose-built library in Halifax last year and we want to provide a modern library which will serve the needs of the whole community.

“We will ensure that the location of the library and archive will be at a convenient location in Halifax Town Centre.

“We will also bear in mind the distinct advantages of having the museums store and the archive together. But what we really need to know at this stage is where people would like to see the new library and archive located.

“Residents now have a great chance to let us know what they think and to help shape the new service.”

Councillor Baines said that while Cabinet had agreed this evening to an accelerated procedure for selection of developers for Halifax’s proposed new Customer First facility, it did not mean that any decision had been made on the future location of the Central Library.

“We want to ensure that the people who use the library and will be using it in the future will have a say in where it is located.”

He said a report on the outcome of the consultation would be prepared for consideration by Cabinet in July.