PEOPLE with mobility issues will be able to access Stalybridge’s library if plans are approved.
Tameside Council wants to install a new lift and ramp to the rear of the Grade-II listed structure, which also contains Astley Cheetham Art Gallery on Trinity Street.
And the authority believes making it accessible for longer will open it up to more people as, ‘its future should be protected as part of the wider regeneration of the town.’
An accessible entrance currently exists to the rear of the property but that is only available when staff members are in place.
Its current entrance will be changed on the modern structure it is housed in and documents supporting this scheme state: “The library is still open outside of staffed hours and so this presents a difficulty for users requiring the lift accessing the building, therefore unavoidably discriminating against a particular user group.
“The aim is to create an accessible ramp and stair up to the library to give access to different users 24 hours a day.
“The east elevation of the library is not the best place from which to appreciate the architectural interest of the listed building.
“The proposed access ramp is located to the rear of the building, designed to enhance the current, uninviting provision for access while ensuring no impact on the principal elevations at Dean Street and Trinity Street.
“It will be clear the proposals will give rise to clear and definable public benefits with the new access ramp enhancing access for all.”
Tameside Council admits the Astley Cheetham building – which was built between 1897 and 1901 – has, accessibility issues, ‘preventing less-abled users from accessing key cultural and learning services.’
But documents add: “This project aims to address these issues to provide a more inclusive cultural offer, along with various other works required to safeguard the building to fall into further disrepair or prevent from dereliction and deliver a high-quality cultural offering through the regenerated art gallery space.
“Currently the library is the only purpose-built original library building in Tameside and its future should be protected as part of the wider regeneration of the town.”
Tameside Council’s Speaker’s Panel (Planning) committee will decide whether to grant or refuse planning permission and listed building consent.