Listed library sale falls through for second time

Cambridgeshire County Council is now looking at other options for the former library on Mill Road

The sale of a Grade II listed former city library has fallen through for the second time.

The 19th Century Mill Road library building in Cambridge has stood empty for several years and was last used as a library in 1996.

A charity wanted to buy it from Cambridgeshire County Council in 2023, but pulled out due to the amount of work needed.

Another buyer, who came forward in October last year, has now also pulled out, and the council said it was "looking at our options and the next steps".

The initial bidder was children's charity Centre 33, but after they withdrew, the council agreed to sell the building to a new buyer, which the authority said had offered "significantly more" than the £700,000 guide price, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

The county council had said the new buyer planned to use the former library for "community purposes", with examples given including letting studio space for the creative arts, dance, music, art, and writing.

However, 10 months later, this buyer withdrew their offer and pulled out from the sale.

A council spokesperson said: "We worked tirelessly with the bidder since October to ensure the sale of Mill Road library is completed.

"Unfortunately, we've been informed the bidder has decided to withdraw their offer."

Other options were now being considered, and the council said it hoped to provide more information in the future.