Dance charity in £2m bid to take on empty library

A CHARITY plans to spend £2m turning a deserted city library into a community dance studio.

Roath Library, on Newport Road, was closed in November 2014.

The council said the building was in a poor state and the cost of repairs would be too high for them to reopen it.

Last year, the authority asked for bidders who would take it over in what’s called a community asset transfer.

Rubicon, an Adamsdown-based charity, has submitted a successful proposal and will take over the running of the building but the finances of the proposal are dependant on the charity, not the council.

The charity will spend £2m creating a space including three dance studios, one of which would also provide an informal performance space.

It plans to run accredited learning activities in the building as well as a new open programme for the community including provision for those with disabilities, older people, children and young people.

It is also hoped it will become a meeting space for the local community and dance groups. There could also be free wi-fi and bookable “hot desks”.

The new facility is anticipated to open in September 2019.

Kathryn Williams, director of Rubicon Dance, said: “We are delighted to have been successful with our proposal for breathing new life into Roath Library. The entire Rubicon team is extremely grateful to Cardiff Council for this significant investment in the community of Adamsdown and community dance in general across the city.” The council has set up a temporary library service at Cardiff Royal Infirmary (CRI).

A spokeswoman said it is working with Cardiff and Vale University Health Board to create a permanent library in the former chapel at CRI.

Cabinet member Lynda Thorne said: “It’s great news that Rubicon Dance will be taking over the former Roath Library building. Their plans provide a good solution both for the building and the local community.”

Lib Dem ward councillor Nigel Howells welcomed Rubicon’s plans.

“I congratulate them on winning the tender process and I look forward to working with them in whatever way I can to ensure their project is successfully delivered,” he said.

“My attention now turns to ensuring we get a proper library service back in our area as soon as possible.

“To have been without a library for over two years is totally unacceptable and the council should ensure one is now delivered without further delay.”