Bosses are consulting on plans to relocate Droylsden Library which could see the site redeveloped for housing.
Tameside council has launched a public consultation into proposals to move the library service into the ground floor of Guardsman Tony Downes House on Manchester Road.
The building, which opened in 2015, is named in memory of Droylsden resident Tony Downes who was killed in Afghanistan in 2007 serving with the 1st Battalion, Grenadier Guards.
It currently serves as the headquarters for the Greater Manchester Pension Fund.
Council chiefs say the existing Droylsden Library building, which was built in 1937 and also stands on Manchester Road, is deteriorating.
The rising cost of repairs, combined with ‘a desire to progress’ with the regeneration of Droylsden town centre and the inaccessibility of the library’s ‘T’ shape, three-floor configuration means that a ‘solution for the future of the library’ is now needed, according to the town hall.
At a meeting of the full council, leader Brenda Warrington told members they would utilise £1.9m from the Greater Manchester brownfield housing fund which would be used to develop the site of Droylsden Library.
The council first proposed the move into the pension fund HQ back in 2015 and said 90pc of participants in the survey backed the plans.
However the authority lacked the funding to deliver the relocation, but has now accessed time limited grant funding from the government which could enable the move.
Bosses want people’s views on the proposals and what their priorities for a relocated library would be – whether for computer use and printing facilities, better community spaces, a more accessible layout or other ideas.
The four week survey into the library plans closes on Wednesday, March 17.
Cabinet member responsible for libraries, Councillor Leanne Feeley said: “I know how much people value libraries and this could be an exciting chapter for Droysden Library – giving it an opportunity to move into a modern, accessible and sustainable location still in the heart of the town centre.
“We’re keen to hear people’s views on the proposals and what their priorities would be for the facilities on offer, so we can build on previous feedback to ensure that the design of any new library has residents’ priorities in mind. So please do take part in the survey and let us know what you think.”
Residents can take part in the consultation at https://www.tameside.gov.uk/tbc/droylsdenlibrary
