New library remains closed as options considered

A supermarket opened some time ago but the library faced numerous problems

A new library in Nottingham could remain closed until the summer of 2026, the city council has said.

The Sherwood library in Spondon Street was due to open in summer 2024 but more than 130 defects in the building were discovered.

Nottingham city council leader Neghat Khan has told councillors options for the building are being considered.

That could include a temporary library facility for the area, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

The old library in Spondon Street was deemed not fit for purpose in 2017, and the council later sold the site to a local developer, Hockley Developments, to build a new one.

However problems with the development first became apparent after the scheme's previous contractor, Nottingham-based Dako Construction, collapsed into administration at the beginning of 2023.

The library building was handed back to the council at the end of 2023 for the final fit-out but its opening has been delayed ever since.

A summer opening last year was missed following the discovery of a raft of problems with the building, and the problems are yet to be rectified.

Hockley Developments has been contacted for comment.

Neghat Khan said a six-week consultation would be held to look at options for the building

On Monday, Khan told a full council meeting: "Residents will be sceptical about this move given past delays but I am clear the time for excuses is over.

"If Hockley Developments fails to deliver, the council will step in, complete the work, then seek recovery of the costs.

"We will not allow further delays to the library's opening. It will remain one of my top priorities as leader.

"Whilst we are considering temporary measures this will not distract us from pressing ahead with permanent opening.

"Until the building is safe it cannot be open to the public. Cracked windows and structural concerns are not minor snags, they are serious health and safety issues and I will not compromise on public safety."

Khan said a six-week consultation would be held, starting this week, to look at the best possible options.

"Since the last full council on 14 July the developer has re-engaged with the council and agreed to carry out the work to get Sherwood Library open," Khan said.

"A report was taken to the capital board requesting funding should the developer fail to deliver.

"The council stands ready to step in, complete the works, then recover the costs.

"I want to hear from Sherwood residents on what temporary pop-up library services they should support.

"I accept this will not be a full replacement, but it could provide access to books and resources that have been missing for far too long.

The council leader said the options put forward include leasing and repurposing an empty retail unit on Mansfield Road, placing a portable cabin in the car park of the local community centre, or exploring mobile library bus services at weekends.