LIBERAL DEMOCRAT-LED COUNTY COUNCIL APPROVES SALE OF MILL ROAD LIBRARY TO COMMUNITY GROUP FOR COMMUNITY BENEFIT

The Cambridge Liberal Democrats are delighted to announce that the Liberal Democrat-led County Council has approved the sale of the historic Mill Road Library building to Mill Road Community Interest Company (Mill Road CIC).

The community group plans to transform the building into a community arts centre, providing a range of cultural, educational and social activities for local residents.

Built in 1892, Mill Road Library served the community as a library until 1996. From 1999 to 2020, the building was used by a community organisation, but it was later left in need of significant repair. The County Council invested £500,000 to restore the building and bring it back to a good standard.

The Grade II listed building has now been restored to a ‘shell and core’ condition. This means the structure is secure, but further work is needed to complete the internal fit-out and make the space fully operational.

The Council has a legal duty to achieve the best possible value when selling land and buildings. However, the rules allow some flexibility where a sale at below market value would deliver wider social, economic or environmental benefits. Under the leadership of the Liberal Democrats, the council used these provisions to sell the library to Mill Road CIC.

The agreed sale to Mill Road CIC allows the Council to secure a future for the building while supporting a valuable community asset. The proposal is supported by detailed architectural plans and plans for the future operation of the centre.

Cllr Karen Young (Queen Edith's), Lib Dem Chair of Assets and Procurement, said:

“I am delighted that the sale to Mill Road CIC has been approved. It is fantastic that they have raised the funds needed to complete the purchase, and I am encouraged by their plans to secure further funding to support the long-term future of the building.

“Mill Road Library is a much-loved local asset, and this project has the potential to bring significant social, cultural and community benefits for years to come.”