Blackhall Library Update

Many residents have understandably been in touch asking about an update on Blackhall Library so please find below a response from officers. I will of course continue to press for action on this.  

I am writing with an update on the process to look at the options for addressing the Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) which was discovered across the whole roof of Blackhall Library.  

As reported to the Finance and Resources Committee on 25 January 2024, the RAAC has been assessed as being in poor condition and this needs to be addressed before the library could reopen. As also reported to the Finance and Resources Committee, the options to replace the RAAC in the longer term are complex due to the extent of work required, the potential costs and the wider condition of the building. It was agreed by the Committee that options will require further detailed appraisal and analysis and the options to be assessed will range from roof replacement to whole building replacement. This appraisal work was to be carried out in 2024 and presented to a future Finance and Resources Committee.   

Further to the Committee meeting an external team of architects and cost consultants have been commissioned to consider the options, an officer level Investment Steering Group has been established to oversee the project and the target for receiving the initial options appraisal is the end of May 2024.