Library demolition hope years after closure
LDRSThe redevelopment of a public library which closed more than six years ago has been plagued with "delays and excuses", a councillor has said.
However, there is hope of movement as several conditions which needed to be fulfilled before starting the demolition and replacement of Tynemouth Library have now been completed, North Tyneside Council has confirmed.
Councillor Lewis Bartoli said he welcomed the progress but added "residents will understandably be frustrated that it has taken this long".
Cabinet member for neighbourhoods Hannah Johnson said: "Now that planning permission is secured, we are working hard with the developer to ensure momentum is maintained."
The local authority closed the library in February 2020 as part of its Ambition for North Tyneside project.
Plans were later approved for the demolition of the current building to be replaced by a new one containing a library, a community facility complete with a Newcastle Building Society branch and six flats.
Approval has also been granted by the council for an archaeological survey to be conducted during demolition rather than before, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.
Bartoli said: "This building has been a derelict eyesore in the heart of Tynemouth for several years.
"Tynemouth residents deserve better than years of delay and excuses, and sincerely hope we are not back here in another year with yet another update showing very little real progress."
