Bristol's Central Library to remain at its historic home
There was talk over the library being relocated - but those plans have now been dropped
Last updated 9th Jun 2024
Bristol's Central Library is to stay where it is after concerns were raised about the historic building's relocation.
The library - based on the south side of College Green - is a Grade I listed building, and was built on land next to the Abbey Gatehouse, and opened more than 110 years ago, in 1906.
Concerns were raised from the public - with an outcry against plans from the council, which may have seen the library relocate from its historic home/
The plans were raised amid the need for budget cuts, with money needing to be saved thanks to the gap between its outgoings and central Government funding.
On Twitter, Bristol's Mayor, Marvin Rees confirmed this afternoon (January 10) that these plans to relocate the library has officially been dropped.
In a joint statement from Mr Rees, Ellie King and Eileen Means, they said: “Since the Tories and Lib Dems started austerity in 2010, councils across the UK have been forced to shut around 100 libraries a year.
“In Bristol, we are proud that our Labour administration has held back this tide to protect all 27 libraries – including Central Library – over the last six years, and will be working to keep them as valuable community spaces for the future.
“Due to continued national under-funding, as well as historic inflation and rising demand for services, Bristol City Council faced an almost £88 million financial gap.
“The local authority consulted on a wide range of budget proposals. It was only right and responsible to put every option on the table as we work towards a seventh balanced budget for Bristol.
"We have taken time together to consider proposals, after Eileen spoke to many of her fellow local residents in Hotwells & Harbourside.
“After discussing the idea of relocating Central Library, we are pleased to confirm that updated budget plans going to Cabinet for consideration later this month will keep Central Library in its current home."
Concerns about the move had been made across the political spectrum.
On Twitter, Conservative councillor Henry Michallat said: "#Bristol is so fortunate to have a historic, dedicated building for its central library, unlike many cities across the UK.
I oppose the proposed idea of relocating the library from its historic Grade I listed home."
A petition had also been launched against the proposed plans - along with a separate campaign by the Bristol Liberal Democrats.
The former campaign received more than 4,500 signatures.
Currently, Bristol City Council is made up of 14 Conservatives, 24 Greens, 24 Labour members, 6 Lib Dems and two members of the Knowle Community Party.