THE controversial plan to change the use of a shoe shop in Warrington’s Golden Square shopping centre for use as a library was withdrawn at the 11th hour.
Shortly before the application was due to come before the borough council’s development management committee for a second time, councillors received an email informing them the plan had been withdrawn. No reason was given.
When the plan first appeared on the committee’s agenda, councillors deferred a decision with several members calling for more information.
A number of councillors expressed concern that the shop unit – Funky Dory – was not large enough to accommodate a library to replace the Central Library. Several felt there were other, larger, units available within the shopping centre.
But library operator LiveWire stressed throughout that there was no plan to close the Central Library, which would remain as a reference library and cultural hub.
A Spokesperson from LiveWire Said: ‘The application for the change of use of the Unit in Golden Square was not a LiveWire application this was submitted by an external property agent, the decision to withdraw the application from last night’s planning committee meeting was not taken by LiveWire and we were not involved in any discussion resulting in the decisions to withdraw.’
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On the topic of Funky Dory we first heard:
“When the plan first appeared on the committee’s agenda, councillors deferred a decision with several members calling for more information.
The scheme came before the committee on the basis that there was a “strong likelihood” that occupier would be LiveWire – the borough’s library operator.
However it is made clear that in the event of approval, LiveWire will occupy the unit.”
Now we hear: “‘The application for the change of use of the Unit in Golden Square was not a LiveWire application this was submitted by an external property agent, the decision to withdraw the application from last night’s planning committee meeting was not taken by LiveWire and we were not involved in any discussion resulting in the decisions to withdraw.”
Why would an unnamed ‘property agent’ make application for the Funky Dory to be used as a proposed library unit absent formal instruction from those running the libraries on behalf of WBC (i.e. LiveWire)? I have a lot more faith in Gary’s accuracy in reporting what was actually made public than what is now being put forward seemingly to distance LiveWire from the decision making process on the main library.
Can we please have some honest, unequivocal, factual comment from LiveWire and WBC on this matter. Previous contradictory statements from LiveWire, have caused more than enough concern throughout the borough already.
Well said POSITRON.
Like you say it seems that Livewire are suddenly very keen to distance themselves from the application and the withdrawal. Obviously prior to withdrawal they WERE involved in the ‘Funky Dory’ proposals though as the application has had enough press coverage over the past few months along with a lot of opposition and NOT ONCE have Livewire stated that it has NOTHING to do with them. I cant help but wonder if recent mention on both here, social media, and the Save Warrington Libraries campaign group etc re the Public Libraries and Museums Act 1964, possibility of judicial review and even English Heritage funding opposition may have made the ‘applicant’ sit up and think ‘oh shite’….
It would be interesting to know who the person(s) behind the planning application is/are too and if they are associated in ANY way with Livewire otr a branch of (or maybe a director or whatever their organisation is led by) or even another branch of WBC, Warrington & Co maybe??. We must also remember that the applicant named on the planning application could just be the name of the agent being used who are acting on behalf of one of these, or other, ‘person(s)/body/group’ )
No matter what…this sudden and unsuspected withdrawal at the very last minute smells of a rat especially as only the day before they had submitted additional information and artists impressions of the proposed layout and designs.
Confirming Garry’s report the Warrington Guardian also commented: “Livewire had applied for a change of use of the unit that presently houses Funky Dory Shoes in the shopping centre, with Warrington Library having looked set to move into the shop if the plans had been passed.”