New plan to save library approved

Local Democracy Reporter A NEW plan to keep Fenham Library open by transforming it into a health and wellbeing hub will go ahead.

Councillors voted unanimously to give the proposal the green light at a meeting of Newcastle City Council’s planning committee.

The authority unveiled its idea to revamp the library by introducing new facilities, such as a gym and a cafe, earlier this month.

The library, which dates back to 1938, was first scheduled to close as part of the council’s 2013-16 budget proposals, but the authority found a way of keeping it open by turning part of the building into offices for Your Homes Newcastle.

But the council revealed that the library was at risk again, as YHN prepared to vacate the premises, and needed a new proposal to keep it financially viable.

The council’s cabinet member for culture, sport and public health, Coun Kim McGuinness, said: “Following this decision by the planning committee, another of our much-loved buildings has been given a new lease of life.

“Fenham Library opened in 1938 and since then has been at the heart of the community. I welcome this change of use with a gym and therapy rooms that will encourage healthy lifestyles and offer even more to the community.”

In granting approval for the transformation, councillors also agreed to extend the building’s opening hours, which will be 8am to 9pm rather than the original 9am to 5pm.

Coun Marion Talbot said: “I think this is an excellent application that uses the space really well.

“It means the library is likely to be more viable than it currently is.”

Coun Marion Williams added: “I was delighted to see this. It is an imaginative way to keep it going.”

There were nine objections to the plans, raising concerns about a lack of parking facilities for increasing visitors to the building in Fenham Hall Drive and the site’s proximity to other gyms.

However, the new gym will only be open to clients of the health and wellbeing hub rather than the general public.