Developers fail with library bid

COMING down . . . library

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.”