Decision details

Lease of the unit in Princess Square for the Library

Decision Maker: Executive

Decision status: Recommendations Approved

Is Key decision?: Yes

Is subject to call in?: Yes

Purpose:

The provision of a new library and cultural hub in Bracknell town centre

Decision:

1          That the principle of relocating the library to Princess Square LSU 4, Bracknell to create a new library and cultural facility to complement the Deck scheme and facilitate future regeneration of the current library site be approved;

 

2          That the Council enters into the proposed heads of terms for a lease of this unit as set out in Appendix B of the Executive Director: Place, Planning & Regeneration’s report, and delegates the completion of a lease arrangement to the Assistant Director: Property in consultation with the Executive Member for Transformation and Finance, subject to the Deck scheme being unconditionally committed to by Bracknell Regeneration Limited Partnership;

 

3          That the detailed design (from RIBA stage D) for a new library and cultural facility commence and a planning application to be funded from the Property Feasibility budget (YM378) be submitted once the heads of terms have been signed.

Reasons for the decision:

The creation of a new library and cultural facility located within the Princess Square Shopping Centre and adjacent to the Deck scheme will enable the Council to deliver services and wider community benefits which it is currently unable to do, it will also act as a cultural anchor to both the Deck and Princes Square.  This will also support the Council’s commitment to the economic prosperity of the borough with the addition of enhanced cultural and performance space currently not provided for in the town centre.  The relocation of the library supports the future redevelopment of the Civic Quarter as set out in the Council’s submission version the Bracknell Forest Local Plan.

Alternative options considered:

The option not to secure these premises at this time would significantly limit the opportunities open to the Council to relocate the library and in turn support the future development of the town centre would potentially undermine the longer term economic and social wellbeing of the borough.  Alternative locations for the library are very limited given the particular locational and connectivity needs for the library and its users. 

Interests and Nature of Interests Declared:

None.

Reason Key: Expenditure >£400,000 & Affects more than 1 ward.;

Wards Affected: (All Wards);

Financial Impact: • Cost associated with the lease of the building • Capital expenditure to construct the new library facility • Ongoing operational costs

Declarations: None.

Subject to Urgent Proceedings: No.

Making Representations: In writing to the Executive Director: Place, Planning and Regeneration

Other reasons / organisations consulted

Internal service users and town centre stakeholders

Consultees

Internal service users and town centre stakeholders

Contact: Chris Mansfield, Head of Economic Development and Regeneration Email: chris.mansfield@bracknell-forest.gov.uk Tel: 01344 351614.

Publication date: 29/09/2022

Date of decision: 29/09/2022

Effective from: 07/10/2022

 

Contact Information

Democratic services

Email: committee@bracknell-forest.gov.uk