City library’s move to old Debenhams set for approval

PLANS to relocate Gloucester library into the former Debenhams building in the city are set to be approved by council leaders.

Gloucestershire County Council is planning to relocate the library from Brunswick Road to the former department store building, right, in Kings Square.

The building is set to become University

of Gloucestershire’s city campus and if council leaders agree the local authority will enter into a 25year lease for part of the property.

Cabinet is set to consider proposals for the future of the library at a meeting at Shire Hall on Wednesday.

The current Gloucester Library building opened in May 1900 and physical constraints placed on it by the listed building status affect the layout of the building.

It has a high backlog of outstanding maintenance and requires significant improvement, according to a cabinet report. Cabinet members are set to consider options to remain in the current building, relocate to the former Debenhams or relocate the library to other premises.