Updated: Southampton City Council has offered a lease to community radio station Awaaz FM to take over the Cobbett Road library building and services, according to meeting documents.
Library Friends make their case at Court Leet in the council chamber on October 3
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The council published information about the Friends of Cobbett Road Library’s case which they made at Court Leet in October, in a report to next Tuesday’s cabinet meeting (Dec 19), along with the authority’s proposed response.
The library has been effectively shut since the end of January 2020 after previous operator Social Care in Action pulled out from running it.
Lengthy tendering processes then ensued in search of a new operator.
Says the proposed council response to the Friends' presentation: “Awaaz FM have committed to working with local residents and surrounding businesses to offer a facility which offers varied opportunities for local residents and new communities. Awaaz FM is well known for its community information broadcasting, volunteering and training programme and support work for, and with, local voluntary groups.
“They, with their sister station Fiesta FM will develop Cobbett Road Hub with community spaces for hire for a variety of uses, a counselling service, community podcasting suite, and opportunities for volunteering both in community radio and supporting a library offer and will gradually develop their facilities to accommodate community radio studios.
“The library, which will be volunteer led, is due to open in January 2024.”
It’s understood lease documents have yet to be signed.
Update 20/12/23 The council response was approved by cabinet on 19/12/23.