Former library to be sold or leased

Finding a positive future for the former Carmondean Library is vital for the benefit of the local community, councillors have warned, after it emerged the building is set to be leased or sold.

The old library was vacated earlier this year when the service was moved to a new £1m partnership centre for North Livingston in the former Ability Centre building a few hundred yards away.

The move was a controversial one with strident opposition from the local community council.

At this month’s meeting of Livingston North local area committee, Jill Parton from Carmondean Community Council asked council officers how marketing of the vacant building was progressing.

Mrs Parton, who originally opposed the move, conceded that the new partnership centre was a“wonderful building”.

She added:“I have had lots of people asking about what’s happening with the old library. There’s been concerns on social media about the state of the building. What’s the timescale in terms of marketing the building?”

Council assets manager, Scott Hughes, said if there were concerns about the appearance he would have staff inspect it and tidy up its appearance.

He said the property was being actively marketed with a view to securing a new lease to bring income to the council’s property portfolio.

If not leased then it would be sold and the money going into the council’s capital funds.

The building is 540sqm of open space and offices and occupies a corner site of Carmondean shopping centre next to the health centre.

He added that he was confident of setting a closing date within a couple of months and taking it back to the council Executive for a decision.

He said:“It’s fair to say we are fairly confident. It is a good building, very attractive commercially, close to the railway station.”

Councillor Andrew Miller asked for local members and community councillors to be kept informed about offers of potential lessees, or the sale of the building.

He said:“The old library building is core to the centre of north Livingston. It’s going to be vital to the local community what its future use is. The building really is key to that area.”

Chairing the meeting, Councillor Dom McGuire, said:“I completely agree with you on that. It’s important we are kept up to date on its future.”