'Over capacity' St Agnes library could be replaced

An artist's impression of how the library and council office could look

The library and "ageing" council offices in St Agnes could be knocked down and replaced.

St Agnes Parish Council took over running the library, in Trelawney Road, from Cornwall Council in 2019.

A design and access statement, drawn up for the parish council by building consultancy Desmonde Associates, said the council found the building was "frequently over capacity" due to the area's growing population.

The statement said the council offices were "rapidly becoming unfit for purpose and unsafe as the building deteriorates".

It said this had "a knock-on negative impact" on staff, parish councillors and residents who visit the building for meetings and advice.

Sometimes there was standing room only at planning meetings, the statement added.

'Deep appreciation'

The parish council wants to build a new home for both services.

"The proposed development has been designed with a deep appreciation for the heritage significance of the site and its surroundings," according to Desmonde Associates.

Library manager Andrew Ley said: "The building we are in, although a game-changer in 1997, is now hopelessly inadequate for our growing needs and the needs of the community we serve.

"It is an extremely inefficient building from an ecological standpoint, with oil-fired heating, a high ceiling and wood-framed windows.

"Crucially, it is also far too small for the ever-growing usage that we enjoy."