Sheffield Council reveals £9 million plan to save Central Library and Graves Gallery

The figure, which would cover the cost of structural maintenance, mending the heating system and preventing fires, has emerged just over a month after the head of Sheffield's museum service told The Star time was running out to keep the place in a functioning state.

The library and gallery is cited in the council’s Capital Budget Book, which spans the period from 2020 to 2025, as a ‘project under consideration’.

Money would be drawn from the corporate investment fund to ensure ‘safe premises for customers and staff’.

But the £9 million scheme, the document adds, only represents the minimum required to ‘keep the council’s estate compliant’ – meaning it would likely fall short of an extensive revamp.

In late 2017 the council, which owns the Art Deco site on Surrey Street, outlined its ambition to turn the facility into a 'cultural hub', moving the library service into new £20 million premises in the Heart of the City II development.

The proposal came when the council admitted the 1930s building would not be converted into a luxury hotel - an idea linked to a failed £1 billion agreement with Chinese investor Sichuan Guodong Group.

Recently the gallery has had to shut temporarily because of problems with the heating and lights.

Councillor Mary Lea, the council's cabinet member for culture, parks and leisure, said: “The ongoing maintenance and repair costs for the Central Library building have been part of a review.

“The budget of £9 million is the suggested cover needed for the existing works and is part of a list of initiatives we are currently considering before we develop business cases and bring them forward for approval.

“The costs identify structural repairs, heating and fire risk assessment work and will each be subject to separate cabinet reports as and when they are brought forward. The works listed represent essential building maintenance to make sure we meet the needs of the council’s estate.”