Growing pressure over library sparks fears for local economy

Councillors say that a new Central Library and Archive, adjacent to the historic Piece Hall, is the only realistic and viable option if attractive shops are to be brought to the Northgate site.

Residents have started responding to the council’s 12-week consultation on the proposed new facility – an exercise far broader than the one carried out in 2009.

Calderdale Council’s Cabinet member for Economy and Environment, Coun Barry Collins, says that keeping the Central Library and Archive on its current site could scare off potential developers interested in bringing big retailers to the Northgate site.

He said: “We are committed to moving out of Northgate House because it would be hugely expensive to refurbish and we no longer need office accommodation of that size.

“The whole of the Northgate site is a key attraction for town-centre shopping and we know that a number of developers are interested.

“But keeping the Central Library and Archive there could make the site much less attractive. At best, it could delay any new development. At worst, we could be left with an empty and boarded up Northgate House.

“What the council is offering is a town centre which has a brand new Library and Archive and some really exciting shopping.”

Calderdale’s Cabinet member for Communities, Coun Pauline Nash, added:

“The people who object to the Central Library and Archive moving need to ask themselves whether they are prepared to turn down the chance of a new library and archive, with high quality, modern facilities, plus a revitalised town centre, which can be enjoyed by everyone.

“Developing the Northgate site will bring jobs, it will bring shoppers to Halifax who currently choose to shop in other towns and cities close by, and it will be a huge boost to the local economy.

“In other words, the council’s new plans are all about the future. They would keep the library and archive together and boost our bid for Lottery funding to restore and revitalise the magnificent Piece Hall.”

But the council’s biggest trades union says it is opposed to plans to relocate Halifax Central Library near to the Piece Hall.

“The new library appears to be inadequate, far less accessible, smaller and there are no clear plans for meeting rooms or archives,” according to Unison.

Calderdale branch secretary Gary Firth said the Unison committee was committed to working with the council to provide high class public services.

“At this time we don’t believe the demolition of Northgate House and the library with the subsequent move is in the public interest.

“At times of financial uncertainty, austerity and spending cuts we believe the council should not embark on ambitious spending plans entailing long term financial commitments without tangible public gain.

“The proposals assume that land would be sold to a developer to create a further shopping complex and we do not believe that enough work has been done on the sustainability of such a development.”

Mr Firth said there needed to be public support before any plans to proceed.

The council is committed to providing a new building which is at least as good as the existing building.

People have until March 12 to complete the council’s questionnaire or send in written comments.

The controversy comes at a pivotal time for the council which at long last is celebrating the rapid development of the Broad Street site in the town centre with its promise of top class leisure facilities including a hotel, restaurants and cinema.