Market plan for former library
RETAILERS SAID TO BE KEEN ON PROPOSALS
PLANS have been submitted for a new indoor shopping market to be created at the site of a former Derby library.
A planning application has been submitted to Derby City Council seeking permission to change the use of the former Pear Tree Library, historically known as the Carnegie building, into a multi-use shopping complex, or a souk.
If plans get the go-ahead, the market could feature up to 11 retail units at the Pear Tree Road venue.
It comes after the former Pear Tree Library was relocated to St Augustine’s Community Centre in Almond Street.
And, according to planning documents, there is already a high level of interest from retailers selling items such as homemade products, jewellery, spices, and fashion lines.
A planning document says a new souk would provide an “exciting addition” to the Normanton and Pear Tree area and would be a
“unique concept”. The applicant anticipates the souk will generate up to between 30 and 40 jobs.
There are no plans to change the exterior, and access is available via a public car park 500 metres away.
A planning document, written on behalf of the applicant, says: “Derby City Council has relocated the library and the applicant believes a change of use will provide maximum benefits to the local community.
“The souk will provide much needed, affordable retail space for start-up businesses and small and medium enterprises. It will be an exciting addition to the Normanton and Pear Tree area.”
Last year Derbyshire Live reported how the historic Edwardian building was put up on the market by its owners Derby City council after it was declared “surplus to the council’s requirements”.
Now the building has been purchased and plans are moving a foot to give it a new lease of life.
A Derby City Council spokesman previously said: “Owing to structural defects, with a repair cost of about £1.5m, found during the planned renovation of Pear Tree library, a decision was approved in November 2018 to move the library to St Augustine’s Community Centre and declare the building surplus requirements.”