Cathays Library set for boost

4.35.00pm GMT Mon 9th Feb 2009

Cllr. Cathy Pearcy and Cllr. Ed Bridges have welcomed news that Cardiff's Lib Dem council will be refurbishing Cathays Library.

Cardiff's Liberal Democrat council is ready to spend nearly £1 million refurbishing Cathays Library.

The work would see the western wing by Whitchurch Road brought back into use, the roof replaced and improvements to the outside area. The listed building is an iconic piece of local architecture, but years of under-investment mean that it now needs considerable work to make the building ready for the future.

Local Lib Dem councillor, Cathy Pearcy, said: "The library is a fine building, and it has served residents of Cathays and Gabalfa well over the years. But the roof is in a terrible state, and the interior needs improving so it can remain a focus for our communities."

Local Lib Dems are particularly keen to ensure that a community room is included as part of the plans for the building, and are currently making representations to ensure that this happens.

Cllr. Ed Bridges added: "The only downside of the wonderful news about the investment is that the library will have to be closed to the public for the best part of a year while the work is carried out. The renovation to the roof means that it simply won't be possible to keep the branch open during the refurbishment."