Library in Basingstoke is partially closed due to 'crumbly concrete'
Hampshire county council has revealed the problem after carrying out a structural survey
A recent structural survey has confirmed that RAAC has been identified at some areas of a library in Basingstoke.
Hampshire County Council has confirmed that RAAC has been identified in South Ham Community Library in Basingstoke which has been partially closed as a result.
With this partial closure, there will now be two buildings located in Basingstoke, where Hampshire County Council has identified this compound.
The library is located at the Westside Community Centre and is partly owned by Hampshire County Council and Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council (BDBC)
A community group used this specific area, and due to the findings, HCC notified users and BDBC about the survey outcome.
As a precautionary measure, HCC instructed that the impacted areas be closed immediately and remain closed until appropriate mitigation measures have been implemented.
Cllr Rob Humby from Hampshire County Council said:
“The County Council is responsible for a very large number of states. We have a comprehensive inspection programme in place for all our buildings that include structural surveys by qualified engineers.
“Through these, RAAC has not been identified elsewhere. However, we continue monitoring the position with RAAC across our states and will investigate and take proper action should any other issue be identified.”
Executive Member for Countryside and Regulatory Services Councillor Russell Oppenheimer said:
“HCC is undertaking a detailed structural survey of half of the building of the Westside Community Centre.
“It is almost complete, but it is complicated by ASBESTOS also being in the building. We are in regular discussions with officers at Basingstoke and Deane to share our findings, and once it’s complete, this will enable us to confirm any detailed repairs required.
Cranbourne College
Cranbourne College in Basingstoke was the only school site under HCC management in which RAAC was identified.
Temporary works have been undertaken to one section of the building to ensure safety use, and other areas have been taken out of service since the beginning of the year.