A new library building in Cambridgeshire could be opening soon after delays. Work to redevelop the library in Cherry Hinton was completed in June 2024, with the building modernised and extended.
Once reopened, the hub will have a new café called The Cherry Branch, which will be run by volunteers from Cherry Hinton Community Benefit Society (CHCBS). A spokesperson for the society said in November that there were delays in reopening the hub, due to “legal processes that are taking far longer than hoped”.
The building is owned by Cambridge City Council, which funded the redevelopment of the building. Cambridgeshire County Council will lease part of the building to run the library, while CHCBS will lease the kitchen, café, and meeting areas.
“It has taken far longer to negotiate terms than was expected,” a CHCBS spokesperson said, adding: “Nothing has gone wrong. It’s just been a very long process. However, because we will all be locked into the terms it’s important to get it right.
A Cambridgeshire County Council spokesperson said the library is expected to open in spring 2025, adding: “The new Cherry Hinton Hub, that will include the Cherry Hinton Library, is a partnership project between us, Cambridge City Council who own the building, and Cherry Hinton Community Benefit Society. We understand that negotiations for the building’s lease are ongoing.”
A spokesperson for Cambridge City Council said: “We are currently in talks with Cambridgeshire County Council and Cherry Hinton Community Benefit Society to agree the terms of the lease for the Cherry Hinton Hub, where the library will be located.
“We know residents are excited to use the new facilities, especially as construction was completed in June last year, as anticipated. Work is being done to agree terms as soon as possible so that the hub can open for the community to enjoy.”
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