News for Peterborough and Cambridgeshire
  • Investigations
  • News
  • Crime
  • Your Views
No Result
View All Result
  • TRENDING:
  • Peterborough
  • Cambridge
  • Huntingdon
  • March
  • Wisbech
  • Ely
  • Fenland
  • Whittlesey
  • St Ives
Saturday, July 19, 2025
News for Peterborough and Cambridgeshire
  • Investigations
  • News
  • Crime
  • Your Views
No Result
View All Result
News for Peterborough and Cambridgeshire
Support Us
No Result
View All Result
  • Investigations
  • News
  • Crime
  • Your Views
Home News Local Council

£500,000 to repair former Cambridge library before council could sell it

John Elworthy by John Elworthy
1:06pm, April 6 2023
in Local Council
News for Peterborough and Cambridgeshire - The historic former Mill Road Library is a Grade II listed building in central Cambridge with huge character, that dates back to the 19th Century.

The historic former Mill Road Library is a Grade II listed building in central Cambridge with huge character, that dates back to the 19th Century.

Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Cambridgeshire County Council has agreed a buyer for a Grade 11 listed building in Cambridge following a successful court battle to evict the previous tenants, the Indian Community and Culture Association (ICCA).

The building, a former library in Mill Road, was offered for sale by the council last year at a guide price “in excess of £700,000 for the freehold interest”.

The council has not released the price paid for it by Centre 33 who will use it to expand their work supporting vulnerable young people.

The not-for-profit group was chosen as the preferred bidder; the council had promised that “consideration will be given to offers that deliver environmental and social outcomes as well as a financial receipt”.

Advertisements
Pictures

Building was built in 1892

Sale of the building – built in 1892 – draws a line under with its long association with ICCA who were taken to court by the county council after their failure to undertake a “significant backlog” of repairs.

ICCA had enjoyed a rent-free occupancy since 1999 but the tenancy agreement made them responsible for repairs and maintenance: the council argued they had not kept their side of the bargain.

However, the ICCA claimed it had spent up to £250,000 on repairs over the years and had hoped for an agreement for other work to be carried out over a period of time.

No agreement could be reached, and the building was repossessed in January 2020 after an application to the county court.

A charity supporting young people throughout Cambridgeshire has been chosen as the preferred bidder for the former Mill Road Library.
A charity supporting young people throughout Cambridgeshire has been chosen as the preferred bidder for the former Mill Road Library.

The county council says it was forced to bring the building back into good repair by the city council conservation officer.

Repair bill of £500,000

Donald Insall Associates, conservation architects, were appointed to specify and oversee the work required which was completed in 2021 at a cost of almost £500,000.

The building was let to Hill Residential in July 2022 as a site office to serve the Mill Road Depot redevelopment by Cambridge Housing Investment Partnership.

This allowed the building to be heated and to dry out, and to reduce the county council’s liability for the property holding costs.

A report to councillors said: “The former Mill Road Library has not been in functional use as a county council operated asset for more than a quarter of a century.

“Future needs and uses for the building were considered according to the council’s procedures for surplus assets and its disposal policy. This confirmed there was no present or foreseen council service or operational need for the building, partly the result of its condition, format, location, and accessibility.”

The site was offered to the council’s development arm, This Land Ltd, and Cambridge City Council but both declined.

Councillors were advised against finding a new tenant since as a “historic listed building the property is costly to maintain and operate.

A charity supporting young people throughout Cambridgeshire has been chosen as the preferred bidder for the former Mill Road Library.
A charity supporting young people throughout Cambridgeshire has been chosen as the preferred bidder for the former Mill Road Library.

“The county council’s previous experience of leasing out the building saw its condition seriously deteriorate, and it cost considerable public funds to put it back into good repair.

“Officers believe that the extra time and cost in managing and potentially maintaining the building would not warrant holding the building to take advantage of a potential increase in the value, if any.”

Tenders for the building closed on the 12th of January with 142 enquiries and 68 viewings over 9 days and 8 bids received.

Advertisement
Advertisements
canopyuk.com in-article
Advertisement
Cathedral Shaun

During the marketing period, there were two legal challenges about the ownership of the property and the county council’s ability to sell it.

Free to dispose of the property

“Legal advice received is that the county council is the freehold owner of the property and is free to dispose of the property without restriction,” councillors were told.

“Both challenges asserted that the council held the property on a charitable trust. The second challenge asserted that this was the council’s intention (to hold the property on trust) when it acquired it in 1892.

“No evidence has been found that this was the case either at the time or in the manner that the property has been held and managed in the 130 years since.”

A council spokesperson said: “Centre 33’s offer is subject to planning permission and feasibilities being agreed and progressed, with a final decision expected later this year.

“Until that time its offer is not being disclosed.”

The spokesperson added: “Should the next stage be progressed, this will see the Grade II listed building converted, with support from The Evelyn Trust, into a Youth Early Support Hub to offer young people open-access support with their emotional wellbeing and practical needs.”

A charity supporting young people throughout Cambridgeshire has been chosen as the preferred bidder for the former Mill Road Library.
A charity supporting young people throughout Cambridgeshire has been chosen as the preferred bidder for the former Mill Road Library.

Centre 33 already operates five hubs, including in Cambridge, Ely, Wisbech, Huntingdon and from a Grade II listed building in Peterborough.

It offers free and confidential support to young people up to the age of 25 with a range of issues including mental health and caring responsibilities.

It also offers information on issues including housing, finance and sexual health and will be sharing space with community groups where possible.

Cllr Lucy Nethsingha, leader of Cambridgeshire County Council, and chair of the council’s Strategy & Resources Committee, said: “We received some great offers for the former library, but Centre 33 really impressed us with its plans for the building.

“It already has a superb reputation in the county for the support it offers young people going back 40 years and we’re really excited with its ambition to increase that offer.”

Sympathetic ‘fit out’ planned

Beth Green, CEO at Centre 33, said: “We are very pleased to be given the opportunity by the county council to progress the next stage of a move into the former Mill Road Library.

“We will be taking the time to fully develop plans for the building and working closely with experts and planners to ensure a sympathetic fit out is possible that allows us to deliver our work and protect this wonderful building.

“We will look forward to hopefully letting the young people of Cambridge and South Cambridgeshire know about our plans to support their wellbeing at a new venue and will be holding events to talk more about our work closer to the time.

“We’re particularly grateful to The Evelyn Trust for their funding support.”

Cllr Richard Howitt, local member for Petersfield, the area which includes the library, said: “I am grateful to everyone from the local community who expressed an interest in the future of Mill Road old library and encourage Centre 33 to dialogue with local residents about the plans within their bid to maintain public access to the building.

“I know they are a very worthwhile organisation and hope to work with them to ensure they are a good custodian of what is a much-valued building in our local community.”

Tags: cambridgeshire county councilCentre 33HomepageIndian communityMill Road Cambridge
ShareTweetSend
Next Post
News for Peterborough and Cambridgeshire -

GALLERY: Sir Nigel Gresley steam train on 2-week visit to Peterborough

News for Peterborough and Cambridgeshire - Police have released CCTV images of two men they would like to speak to in connection with attempted thefts after 34 lorries were cut open.

Two wanted after 34 lorries attacked at Cambridge service station

Help us by Donating

Latest News

News for Peterborough and Cambridgeshire -
News

David Lammy Charms Castor: A Night of Banter, Brass Tacks, and Choirboy Flashbacks

July 19, 2025
News for Peterborough and Cambridgeshire -
News

Appeal after fatal collision on the A605

July 15, 2025
News for Peterborough and Cambridgeshire -
News

UPDATE: Iron Age Roundhouse at Flag Fen destroyed by fire.

July 15, 2025
News for Peterborough and Cambridgeshire -
News

UPDATE: Flag Fen Roundhouse Reconstruction Destroyed by ARSON

July 14, 2025
News for Peterborough and Cambridgeshire -
News

The Echo Chamber Chronicles: Noddy Penman Investigates (Sort Of)

July 10, 2025
News for Peterborough and Cambridgeshire -
News

Fractured Foundations: A Closer Look at Stability in Peterborough Politics

July 6, 2025
News for Peterborough and Cambridgeshire -
News

Inside the 9-year free ride: Peterborough councillor’s radio station in council property without rent or rates

July 9, 2025
News for Peterborough and Cambridgeshire -
News

PSPO to be introduced at car park

July 3, 2025
  • Trending
  • Comments
  • Latest
News for Peterborough and Cambridgeshire -

Appeal after fatal collision on the A605

July 15, 2025
News for Peterborough and Cambridgeshire -

UPDATE: Flag Fen Roundhouse Reconstruction Destroyed by ARSON

July 14, 2025
News for Peterborough and Cambridgeshire -

UPDATE: Iron Age Roundhouse at Flag Fen destroyed by fire.

July 15, 2025
News for Peterborough and Cambridgeshire -

David Lammy Charms Castor: A Night of Banter, Brass Tacks, and Choirboy Flashbacks

July 19, 2025
News for Peterborough and Cambridgeshire -

David Lammy Charms Castor: A Night of Banter, Brass Tacks, and Choirboy Flashbacks

0
News for Peterborough and Cambridgeshire -

Appeal after fatal collision on the A605

0
News for Peterborough and Cambridgeshire -

UPDATE: Iron Age Roundhouse at Flag Fen destroyed by fire.

0
News for Peterborough and Cambridgeshire -

UPDATE: Flag Fen Roundhouse Reconstruction Destroyed by ARSON

0
News for Peterborough and Cambridgeshire -

David Lammy Charms Castor: A Night of Banter, Brass Tacks, and Choirboy Flashbacks

July 19, 2025
News for Peterborough and Cambridgeshire -

Appeal after fatal collision on the A605

July 15, 2025
News for Peterborough and Cambridgeshire -

UPDATE: Iron Age Roundhouse at Flag Fen destroyed by fire.

July 15, 2025
News for Peterborough and Cambridgeshire -

UPDATE: Flag Fen Roundhouse Reconstruction Destroyed by ARSON

July 14, 2025

Follow us on Twitter

More News

News for Peterborough and Cambridgeshire -
News

New City Centre Mural Pays Tribute to Peterborough Legend Walter Cornelius

July 2, 2025
News for Peterborough and Cambridgeshire -
News

Peterborough Marks Armed Forces Day with Flag-Raising Ceremony

June 23, 2025
News for Peterborough and Cambridgeshire -
News

UPDATE: Peterborough Councillor Re-arrested for Sexual Offences

June 23, 2025
News for Peterborough and Cambridgeshire -
News

City Councillor from Peterborough arrested for sexual offences.

June 22, 2025
News for Peterborough and Cambridgeshire -
News

Man Arrested Following Double Stabbing in Peterborough City Centre

June 20, 2025
News for Peterborough and Cambridgeshire -
News

Cambridgeshire Fire service urges people to enjoy warm weather safely

June 19, 2025
  • News
  • Local Council
  • Investigations
  • Things To Do
  • Privacy Policy
  • Contact Us

© COPYRIGHT - UNIT 2 FENGATE TRADEPARK PETERBOROUGH PE15XB

Welcome Back!

Login to your account below

Forgotten Password?

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Log In
We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept All”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent.
Cookie SettingsAccept All
Manage consent

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously.
CookieDurationDescription
cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional11 monthsThe cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-others11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
viewed_cookie_policy11 monthsThe cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.
Functional
Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features.
Performance
Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.
Analytics
Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
Advertisement
Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.
Others
Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet.
SAVE & ACCEPT

Add New Playlist

No Result
View All Result
  • 360 Examples
  • Advertise with us
  • ARTICLE FOOTER NOT FOR PUBLICATION
  • Basket
  • Beer Festival VR 360
  • Buy Adspace
  • Cambridgeshire
  • Cancel donation
  • Cathedral Example 360
  • Cathedral Plan
  • Checkout
  • Checkout
  • Complaints
  • Contact Us
  • Cookie Policy
  • cookie-policy
  • Elementor #420
  • Hide Ads for Premium Members
  • Home
    • CambsNews Live
  • Latest News
  • Media Consent Form
  • Memorial Garden Example
  • My Account
  • My account
  • Notices
  • Notices Form
  • Privacy Policy
  • PU test
  • Sample Page
  • Sample Page
  • Shop
  • SiteMap
  • Submit Your News
  • Support our work.
  • test2
  • Thank you for your donation
  • Upload your ads

© COPYRIGHT - UNIT 2 FENGATE TRADEPARK PETERBOROUGH PE15XB

Are you sure want to unlock this post?
Unlock left : 0
Are you sure want to cancel subscription?