PLANS to relocate Uxbridge Library to the nearby Civic Centre were approved by Hillingdon Council’s Cabinet on Thursday (15), subject to planning approval.
A report from the borough solicitor said the current, spaced across six floors, had no fire escape lifts and was particularly difficult for people with disabilities to safely evacuate.
The report also said significant investment would be required to improve the building’s energy efficiency and bring it up to modern standards.
The proposed new site is 300 metres away, with step-free access to the one floor of planned use.
However, opposition to the plans is still strong and Labour’s parliamentary candidate for Uxbridge and South Ruislip, Danny Beales, is calling for an urgent review of the decision.
He is a joint signatory of a letter to the Culture Secretary, asking for her to intervene.
Built 37 years ago and refurbished in the last decade, Uxbridge Library is a purpose-built, six-floor centre that houses the borough’s Local Studies and Archives Service.
Uxbridge would remain the borough’s largest library and the council says the new site would offer facilities not currently provided, such as study booths, laptop charging bars and hireable meeting room space.
Relocation is expected to save £412,000 per year on business rates, utilities, cleaning and staffing costs.
Cllr Eddie Lavery, Cabinet Member for Residents' Services, said: "We will not shy away from making difficult decisions when they are in the best interests of all our communities.”
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