Library breakthrough

by John Eccles

THE Lewes Library project is back on course.

But the cost of constructing the prestigious new building behind Lewes House has soared.

And 500,000 will have to be raised from outside sources, including a public appeal.

East Sussex County Council s cabinet agreed to put the project back into its capital programme yesterday (Thursday).

But its gross cost (including a grant-aided literature centre) has risen from 2,650,000 to 2,994,000.

The Express was told that the old price was based on a two-year-old construction estimate.

But the mood of the meeting was upbeat as Cllr Daphne Bagshawe delivered the good news that the library is going to happen.

She said the argument in favour of a new library fronting Friars Walk, rather than upgrading the current Albion Street library, had from the beginning been acknowledged as valid.

It was only a question of finding the resources.

The council was prepared to commit close to 2 million. Half a million was available for the literature centre. The council was looking to those who supported the library to provide the rest.

Petition

Cllr Bob Tidy said he had pursued the library scheme doggedly. The people of Lewes could take part-ownership in it. They could then put their hands on their hearts and say they were part of its creation.

Earlier, a 3,000-signature petition in favour of the combined music and book library was submitted.

The 500,000 appeal will not rest solely on the heads of local people. About 120,000 is needed for the Citizens Advice Bureau presence in the project and external funding could be expected to help with that.

Charitable institutions might provide some 200,000, and there will undoubtedly be donations from individual patrons.

That might leave something like 150,000 to be found locally.

Lyn Donbroski of the Library Friends said the target was a demanding one, but campaigners would do their very best to achieve it.

'At the moment we are obviously pleased the library is back in the programme, he added.

Cllr Mary McPherson later paid tribute to the 'magnificent support of the Friends towards the project.