A group bidding to turn Hoylake Library into a community building are joining forces with others in a last-ditch attempt to secure the site.
The library is one of nine across Wirral closing its doors next week as part of £27 million of budget cuts being implemented this year.
Community Interest Company, The Life Tree, which is based at the Quirky Cafe, wants to use the building to host book clubs and story time sessions, as well being a base for community groups and events, with a cafe.
But they have been dealt a blow after council officials concluded their business plan is not yet viable.
They are now in a race against time to come up with a plan which meets the local authority’s requirement that proposals are viable, with a “proportionate” residual demand on council resources.
Following an independent external assessment, officials at Wirral Council are recommending giving the organisation until 9 December to come up with a revised proposal.
A report to the Tourism, Communities, Culture and Leisure Committee on Tuesday 25 October says: “The business plan is not viable. In further discussions with the group, they have indicated their willingness to work
with other Community Interest Companies and local groups to explore ways of bringing additional income into the business plan and off-setting some of the costs by collaboratively working with other groups.
“There is the prospect that such an approach may result in a viable business plan, and it is recommended that a further period of time until 9 December 2022 is given to explore this possibility.”
Suzanne Rippon from the Life Tree told West Kirby Today: “We are having a community meeting to discuss moving forward with all the local community groups about coming together to make the business plan stronger.
“We are all very positive and excited to work together as we are all very passionate about the community and making this happen.”
If the transfer does not progress, the council will look at marketing the building for commercial use.
