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Sale of the building follows the library’s successful move to a nearby site on Colliers Walk, previously occupied by HSBC. The move means the library is now in a more accessible and energy efficient multi-functional space, which has already proven popular with the community.
This replaces the old building, which could no longer meet the needs of local people or access legislation and would have cost around £1m for the council to bring to standard.
Sale of the old building has secured income to support future library costs, ensuring this valued provision can continue for years to come. It has also cleared the way for new owners to refurbish or redevelop the building, offering something new to Nailsea.
Councillor Mike Solomon, North Somerset’s Executive Member for Culture and Leisure, said: “Nailsea is home to one of our top performing libraries which attracts around 67,000 visits a year. In its new space it is already thriving as a centre for children’s activities and community resources.
“By successfully selling the library’s old premises, we have secured the funds to cover much of the new library’s 125 year lease. Our new premises are now more cost effective and efficient to run, reducing our carbon footprint and increasing opportunities to host activities that allow the space to act as a community hub.
“We hope today’s sale of the old building will allow for an exciting future for the site on Nailsea precinct and that it will further benefit the town and its community.”
Councillor Mike Bird, ward member for Nailsea Yeo, added “It’s great to see how well the new library is being used, especially now it’s accessible to parents with pushchairs and see all the children enjoying story times.
I’m also pleased to see the sale and change of use on the old library has gone through, that it will now have the money spent on it needs and once again become an asset for the community. “