Baildon Library could be relocated to a nearby building and the library facilities improved if plans are approved. Bradford Council’s Executive will be asked to approve plans to relocate Baildon Library from the current Ian Clough Hall site into the former Baildon Social Club, on the other side of the road.
The Council has been looking at options for the Baildon library, as the Ian Clough Hall building is no longer fit for purpose. Following a detailed assessment of a number of options, it is recommended that the acquisition and refurbishment of the former Baildon Social Club, located directly opposite the existing location of the Library, would be the best solution. This not only provides an updated sustainable facility, but will also support the heritage of the town centre through its re-purposed use.
Ian Clough Hall was opened in 1971, and was named after a famous mountain climber, born and brought up in Baildon, who climbed with Chris Bonnington. There will still be a reference to Ian Clough if the library moves to a new location. Ward Members and Baildon Town Council have been briefed and support the proposal, Baildon Town Council would also be able to have office space in the new building with independent access.
It is proposed that Ian Clough Hall site will be sold, following closure of the building, however the lower tier of public car parking would remain in use as a “pay & display” public car park, providing around 40 car parking spaces. This is a prominent town centre site that will be marketed with the benefit of a planning statement to ensure that the new development is of high quality design, is in keeping with and supports the regeneration of the town centre.
It is proposed that the Library will relocate into temporary accommodation whilst the new library facility is being developed, the proposed building being the former Martin’s the newsagent premises, which is owned by the Council. This will allow for a scaled down temporary provision including a limited public browsing facility alongside an ‘order and collect’ service.
Cllr Alex Ross-Shaw, Bradford Council’s Executive Member for Regeneration, Transport and Planning, said: “This proposal is great for Baildon as it will not only see us keep the library in the centre of Baildon but will also see a high quality redevelopment on the site of Ian Clough Hall, which will support the town centre economy. It is also important for us to feature Ian Clough in the redevelopment so that we can remember him and his achievements.”
Cllr Sarah Ferriby, Bradford Council’s Executive Member for Healthy People and Places, said: “We have always been committed to retaining a library in Baildon and we know how important it is for the local community. It is one of our busiest libraries and this proposal will mean that we can provide an improved library facility along with an office for Baildon Town Council and it will still be in a central location for residents.”
A spokesperson for Baildon Town Council said: "Baildon Town Council is delighted to support this excellent proposal to replace Baildon Library and also our own office base, within this historic building in Baildon village Centre. We look forward to working closely with Bradford Council on both the details of this proposal, and also the plans as they take shape for the redeveloped site."
City presents Windrush pioneer with prestigious Leeds Award
More Than 10,000 Arrests Made By Team Dedicated To Reducing Violent Crime
Plate expectations as historic registration could be up for sale
Calderdale: Celebrating over 350 years of service at Council
Activists who caused £100,000 worth of damage sentenced
Appeal Following Collision and Death of Man in Otley, Leeds
Anti-social behaviour funding boost in Clitheroe, Colne and Darwen
Leeds City Council to launch review on taxi vehicle condition standards
Man Named After Fatal Road Traffic Collision, Leeds Road, Bradford
Over £4,000 raised for Mental Health Charity in Bradford
The Golden Era
Remix Saturdays
Bhangra Nights
Legal Show