A project to keep Denby Dale library at the heart of the community is a step closer.

Tomorrow Kirklees Cabinet will consider the asset transfer of the library to the Denby Dale Community Project – and it may come with a £100,000 boost too.

Council papers show the lease will be for 125 years and will cover the current Wakefied Road library and its car park.

Councillors will also be asked to back the freehold transfer of the site so a new community building run by the charitable trust can be built. It will become home to the library, internet cafe, charity shop and meeting space.

Kirklees says in the report: “Since the creation of the group various options have been looked at culminating in the latest proposal designed to ensure the future viability of the project.”

But the Project needs to raise £317,000 to make its vision a reality.

It also needs to secure planning permission, remove the existing building and build a new two-storey building that will be home to the services.

Artist's impression of the new Denby Dale library and community building
Artist's impression of the new Denby Dale library and community building

However, Kirklees has listed conditions which put the future of the library at risk if it does not happen quickly.

The report says: “If after 18 months from the Cabinet decision to approve in principle the asset transfer and release of £100k capital works have not started (i.e. the scheme is not contractually let and works have not started on site) then the lease will end, the library will close and the existing library building will be demolished and the land returned to the council and library service in Denby Dale be subject to review.”

The project has secured £40,000 from the Parish Council, another £40,000 from the Area Committee, plus the project has secured principle support from local businesses offering material and services free, which they estimate to be valued at £30,000.

Kirklees Cabinet will consider the asset transfer when it meets at 3.30pm at Huddersfield Town Hall on Tuesday.

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