Hundreds sign petition to keep Sheffield Central Library 'for public use'

More than 2,500 people have signed a petition opposing plans to turn Sheffield's Central Library into a five star hotel.
Sheffield Central Library.Sheffield Central Library.
Sheffield Central Library.

The petition was launched yesterday by Becca Gransbury, a 38-year-old book seller from Wyburn, after Sheffield Council revealed it had given its Chinese investment partner Sichuan Guodong Group partner 12 months to look into the possibility of converting the Grade II-listed building.

So far, 2,735 people have signed the petition, which calls on the council to keep the building for public use.

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If the plan goes ahead, the 80-year-old building would become the city’s first five star hotel.

If not, the library service would stay. But without the investment, the council says it would need to spend around £30 million of taxpayers’ money to bring the building to modern standards.

Sichuan Guodong would keep the Graves Gallery within the building if it were converted to a hotel, with full public access.

Read more:

Chinese firm's plan to turn Sheffield Central Library into five star hotelThe council’s cabinet member for community services and libraries Jack Scott gave a ‘120 per cent commitment’ that there would always be a city centre library service, and it would not be replaced - as in some areas of Sheffield, such as Walkley, with a volunteer-run project.

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A report to cabinet on the hotel plan can be read on the Sheffield Council website.

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