The asset transfer of the Forest Hill, Manor House and Torridon Road Library buildings

Tender description

Lewisham has invested heavily in its cultural infrastructure over the last ten years opening new or (fully or partially) refurbished library buildings in Catford, Deptford, Downham, Forest Hill, Lewisham, Manor House, and Torridon. The Library Service response to the Council’s financial challenge has been to revisit its planned modernisation programme to enhance the role of community libraries within the service. In 2011 the Council implemented the Lewisham Community Library model, reducing the number of fully staffed libraries from twelve to seven and creating community libraries that provide access to library services in partnership with host organisations. Following further budget challenges the Council is now extending the model to 3 more buildings – Forest Hill, Manor House, and Torridon Road libraries. Lewisham Council recognises the broader role that library buildings can play within communities, as a meeting place, a source of community information and a focus for community activity. The Council is looking for enterprising organisations that are interested in taking on the management of Forest Hill, Manor House and Torridon Road library buildings and work in partnership to ensure that both library services and wider community benefits continue to be delivered from the building. Keywords: Property