muswell hill library - Forum - Alexandra Park Neighbours2024-03-29T15:06:51Zhttps://alexandraparkneighbours.org.uk/forum/feed/tag/muswell%2Bhill%2BlibraryMuswell Hill Library - latest newshttps://alexandraparkneighbours.org.uk/forum/muswell-hill-library-latest-news2017-09-10T12:52:54.000Z2017-09-10T12:52:54.000ZSusie Holdenhttps://alexandraparkneighbours.org.uk/members/SusieHolden<div><p>In Summer 2016, Haringey Council organised a public consultation on the future of Muswell Hill Library. They listed only two possible options; either the library would stay as it is, with no future budget for minor improvement works, such as a lift and accessible toilets; or Haringey could move the service entirely, to an empty site on the ground floor of the Pinnacle building at the top of Muswell Hill.</p>
<p>The council's preferred option was the latter, as it would allow the 'disposal' of the existing Grade II listed building, and many thousands of council leaflets were sent round to local households explaining why their preferred option, to sell off the library building, would be beneficial.</p>
<p>However, the result of the consultation itself was a resounding 'No', with 71% of respondents opposed to the council's plans. Consequently, last November,Haringey Council resolved to undertake a wider analysis of all the options available regarding the future of both the existing library building and the empty Pinnacle site -which is not visible from the Broadway, has little access to natural light and may not be suitable for disabled users due to its location at the very top of a steep hill. This latest 'Options Report' has now been drafted and was due to be released at the end of July. Unfortunately any public version of this document will be subject to redactions due to 'commercial confidentiality'. However, due to reasons that are still unclear, the publication has now been delayed until at least September 2017. Haringey Council have claimed that they are to seek input from local Councillors before publication -</p>
<p>interested readers are advised to contact their ward Councillors for further information, or to join the Friends of Muswell Hill Library by emailing friends.muswell@gmail.com</p>
<p>Update from the <a href="http://mhfga.org/" target="_blank">Muswell Hill and Fortis Green Association</a> (MHFGA)</p>
</div>The future of Muswell Hill Library - options to be explored furtherhttps://alexandraparkneighbours.org.uk/forum/the-future-of-muswell-hill-library-options-to-be-explored-further2016-11-17T08:16:39.000Z2016-11-17T08:16:39.000ZSusie Holdenhttps://alexandraparkneighbours.org.uk/members/SusieHolden<div><div class="panel-pane pane-node-created">
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<div class="pane-content">Update on Haringey Council's website:</div>
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<div class="pane-content">Tuesday 8 November 2016</div>
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<p>Options for the future use of Muswell Hill library and the building proposed for its relocation will be explored further before any decisions are made on a move, says a <a href="http://www.minutes.haringey.gov.uk/documents/s89029/Cabinet%20Report%20Muswell%20Hill%20Nov%2016%20v11%20for%20publication.pdf">recommendation to Haringey Council’s Cabinet</a> published today. The recommendation to next Tuesday’s (November 15th) cabinet meeting comes after people were asked for their views on a proposal to move Muswell Hill library from its current location in Queens Avenue to a new site at 54/56 Muswell Hill (the former Green Man pub).</p>
<p>The new building in 54/56 Muswell Hill would offer 25% more space with fully accessible toilets, better technology and with better heating, cooling and lighting.</p>
<p>Out of 1,282 responses to Haringey’s consultation, 27% said they wanted to move to a new library and 63% opposed a move. In a second question which asked whether the library should stay in the current building on Queens Avenue, 71% agreed it should stay and 20% disagreed. Out of those opposed to a move there was a strong feeling that the existing library building should be retained for community use.</p>
<p>Cllr Bernice Vanier, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Customer Services and Culture, said: “We want modern, fully accessible libraries with the best technology and facilities. Yet it is very clear from the consultation that there are very strong feelings about the current building. People understandably want it retained for community use. Therefore it is right that we separate out these decisions. Before any decision is made on relocation we must first explore in detail what the options are for the current and new building. That will help inform the final decision.”</p>
<p>A report will be brought to Cabinet next spring when a decision on relocation will be made. The <a href="http://www.haringey.gov.uk/libraries-sport-and-leisure/libraries/find-library/muswell-hill-library/muswell-hill-library-public-engagement">consultation</a> was held over a 12-week period from 31st May to 25th August. A <a href="http://www.haringey.gov.uk/sites/haringeygovuk/files/muswell_hill_library_feasibility_-_client_summary_report.pdf">feasibility study</a> showed it would cost between £680,000 and £1.6million to make the building more accessible - money which the council does not have. </p>
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<p>http://www.haringey.gov.uk/news/options-muswell-hill-library-building-be-explored-further</p>
</div>The future of Muswell Hill Libraryhttps://alexandraparkneighbours.org.uk/forum/the-future-of-muswell-hill-library2016-05-14T06:57:00.000Z2016-05-14T06:57:00.000ZSusie Holdenhttps://alexandraparkneighbours.org.uk/members/SusieHolden<div><p>The council is due to consult on the <b>future of Muswell Hill Library</b>. The options are:</p>
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<li>Do nothing – continue with the library as it is, with poor access, no lift etc</li>
<li>Move the library to the ground floor of the Green Man building in the autumn. Under this option, the council would sell the library and the land behind it and use the proceeds for whatever capital projects the Cabinet sees fit <strong>but not the present library.</strong></li>
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<p>The council’s preferred option is to move the library. They say this would give 25% more floor space than the existing library and have the advantage of being on one floor which is cheaper and easier to staff and will make the provision of cabling for computer terminals etc much simpler. They appear to have ruled out any option to sell the land and use some of the proceeds to upgrade the existing library.  Local opinion will be important during a 12-week consultation process.</p>
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