Linlithgow’s former library will be re-let by West Lothian Council as a community facility while plans for a new look town centre are drawn up.
The Council Executive agreed to let the building in the Vennel to the town’s Community Development Trust for use as a community and business support hub on a one year let for £18,000.
The property - a standalone building in the courtyard of the Vennel - was declared surplus to council requirements following the relocation of library services to Tam Dalyell House / Linlithgow Partnership Centre across the road. It falls within an area currently being marketed for redevelopment. Any redevelopment work is unlikely to start for at least a year.
A report to the Executive said: “Officers have undertaken extensive engagement with the local community to establish interest from groups to develop the proposal. The outcome of these discussions was that many groups were interested in the premises.”
Estates manager Paul Kettrick told a meeting of the Executive: “The Linlithgow CDT will act as the umbrella group co-ordinating access for any other groups looking to occupy the building.
“The CDT are properly constituted and have the resources and skills required to manage the property and meet the obligations of a lease agreement.”
The report added: “Officers have considered the legislation and guidance and note that the proposal is compatible with the requirements for community benefit leases and will also mitigate vacant property costs which the council are currently liable for whilst the Vennel area is considered for redevelopment.”
West Lothian Council leader, Lawrence Fitzpatrick, said: “Council Executive approves the letting to Linlithgow CDT on the terms set out within the report as they represent best value for the council.
“With the library relocated into the fantastic facility that is Tam Dalyell House (Linlithgow Partnership Centre) it is pleasing to see that the building will continue to serve local people, businesses and organisations of Linlithgow.
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