The Grimsby Central Library, a crucial part of North East Lincolnshire’s cultural landscape, is due to remain shut until at least spring 2029 following significant water damage sustained earlier this year. The library was closed in March due to the potential disturbance of asbestos, a situation that encouraged the establishment of an interim library within the Freshney Place shopping centre, due to open its doors this coming November.
During a recent session, North East Lincolnshire Council’s cross-party select committee met to mull over the library’s future, discussing refurbishment costs that could fall anywhere between £12.3m to £13.6m. The initial stages of refurbishment have already started, with a focus on the removal of asbestos from the plant room and additional surveys being organised to assess the condition of the roof.
The committee’s recommendations, which encompass urgent funding for roof repairs and a thorough removal of asbestos, will be presented to the council’s economy, culture and tourism scrutiny panel in January. During these discussions, Councillor Steve Holland highlighted the importance of both preserving the library’s heritage and addressing its practical needs, acknowledging cost as a significant challenge to overcome.
This rewrite is based on the original report by The Lincoln Post, which was adapted from www.bbc.com.
