Theatre charity opposes library plans

The former leaseholder of a theatre building has opposed council plans to relocate a library to the site.

Westmorland and Furness Council has proposed permanently closing Ulverston Library in Cumbria and instead housing the book lending service in nearby theatre building The Coronation Hall, locally known as The Coro.

But the charity Ulverston Coronation Hall (UCH), which managed the theatre building for more than seven years, said the plans would "sell both the library and The Coro short".

The plans are due to be decided at a council cabinet meeting on Tuesday.

A spokesperson for UCH said the council's plans will "undermine, not enhance the building's capacity to earn income and attract funding" and that this would cost the council more.

They also said the local authority lacks "understanding of a vision for the cultural future of the town".

The Liberal Democrat-controlled council's plans involve spending £2.5m to revamp The Coro which would then house a "permanent and enhanced" library.

It has been recommended to approve the plans on Tuesday.

Local authority documents about the proposals argued that having a library inside an arts venue would mean people could experience "multiple activities", such as attending the theatre and "browsing the bookshelves".

Following the council taking over the management of the Coro in January, the temporary library has been located in the Supper Room at the hall.

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