Councillor Bob Tidy, Lead Member for Community Services has approved the submission of a planning application for a change of use for 29/30 High Street, Rye (formerly Woolworths) to a library.
If the planning application is successful, the Council could be in a position to start extensive refurbishment work to the interior of the building towards the end of this year. Council bosses believe they could complete the project and open the new library during 2010.
“Today's decision is fantastic news for library users in the Rye area,” said Councillor Bob Tidy. “If we get the necessary planning approvals, people could be enjoying the facilities of a modern library, in the popular and busy area of the town where most of the shops and services are found, by next year.
“We will now continue working on the plans with residents, Rother District Council, the Town Council, the Friends of Rye Library and other local interested groups. We are planning four new libraries in East Sussex at Rye, Hastings, Seaford and Newhaven and, if all goes to plan, it looks as though Rye will be the first to open.”
The Lead Member for Community Services report says:
- The cost of the planned new library can be met within existing revenue and capital budgets.
- The new library will be much larger than the existing library with the total floor space of the public area more than doubling in size.
- The building would have much better access for parents and carers with pushchairs, and for people who are disabled. There is also potential for parking for people who are disabled outside the building.
- The freehold for the current library belongs to Hastings College. If the library relocates to the Woolworths site, the existing building would revert to the College.
To find out more about the existing library in Rye, visit our Rye Library page.
Reference:
2498
Contact the press team
East Sussex County Council