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Developers fail with library bid
Date published: 07 September 2009
AN 11th-hour bid to save Broadway Library was turned down, it has emerged.
The Chronicle revealed 11 days ago that the battle to save the building had been lost, with full-scale demolition due to start today.
At the time, Oldham Council chiefs said there had been interest from developers — but they had not offered the market value.
Councillor John McCann, Cabinet member for community services and housing, said: “Unfortunately this bid was not at a level that we could accept.
“We were advised that this offer was substantially less than the market value assessment and the bidder was unable to significantly increase their offer.
“In the absence of a viable bid — and to avoid a vacant site becoming an eyesore and a magnet for vandalism — demolition work is proceeding as planned. It would have cost thousands of pounds in security to keep this building.
“We have also been advised that a cleared site would be more likely to attract development.”
Broadway Library opened in 1954 to celebrate the Queen’s coronation. Demolition proposals were first unveiled in 2007 and it closed in May.
Councillor McCann added: “The decision to demolish was taken with great regret against an extremely challenging budget position.
“When this site is redeveloped the idea is that it will include a community facility and a library access point.”
Comments
Oh right so Broadway Library gets demolished because offers are below market price yet Oldham Council can sell prime land for around £8k - £9k on Featherstall road to build a mosque without full and proper planning permission. Was that below market price or is this more evidence of a dodgy council?
I totally agree with 'Max Damage'- this council will do and do until the none Muslim people of Oldham have had enough. The result will be MBP Councilors, and this council will have no one to blame but its self.
Vandals, an eyesore, a magnet! WOW strong words coming from and individual who has no idea where South Chadderton is!
This was a perfectly viable, busy library that The Lib Dems decided against public opinion, to close and now demolish. I have no respect for The current Council, and class them in the same boat as the Stazi! The are not for the people but themselves. Yet again South Chadderton looses!
Mrs C - Why is this linked to Muslims - Non muslims like you make all the decisions at the Council.
The majority of Muslims have had enough of this council and its biased decisions, it's just you never hear about them with your selective hearing.
Have Your Say
oh what a suprise! this has been rushed through from the very begining!
we're now seeing our liberal coucillors for what they really are! money grabbing sell-off merchants! we were better off with labour. at least we had everything we already had. maybe a load of debt but it was all ombc's
By fedupoldhamer @ 07/09/2009 14:28:48