Brum's pounds 193m library questioned.Byline: By Neil Elkes LOCAL GOVERNMENT CORRESPONDENT LIBRARY and theatre chiefs in Birmingham are to be quizzed over plans for a pounds 193 million new central library. A special committee of six senior councillors, including two former library service chiefs, has been set up to investigate the business case and details of proposals for the new Library of Birmingham. The inquiry was launched today, six weeks after the city's Conservative leader, Coun Mike Whitby Mike Whitby is a Conservative Party politician and current leader of Birmingham City Council, a post he has held since June 2004. He is one of three Conservative councillors representing the Harborne ward in the west of the city. , unveiled the plans for a shared central library and repertory theatre repertory theatre Production of several different plays in a single season by a resident acting company. The plays chosen may be classic works by famous dramatists or new works by emerging playwrights, and the companies that perform them often serve as a training ground for at Centenary Square Centenary Square is a public square on Broad Street in central Birmingham, England, named in celebration of the centenary of Birmingham achieving city status (in 1889). in a glittering launch attended by actor Simon Callow. It was the third proposal for a replacement to the 33-year-old Central Library. Eastside, and a split site between Eastside and Centenary Square, were rejected. Question marks exist over the pounds 193 million funding, with almost half coming from loans and the remainder from the sale of council land, council funds and sponsorship. There is also a campaign by some conservationists, including the 20th Century Society, to save and renovate the existing Central Library in Chamberlain Square Chamberlain Square is a public open space in central Birmingham, England (grid reference SP066869), named after Joseph Chamberlain. Its features include:
The committee has already drawn up a list of 64 questions and, over the coming months, will take evidence from senior officials and the consultants Capita Symonds who drew up the business case. The chairman Coun Alistair Dow (Lib Dem, Selly Oak) said: "The current library is just 33 years old and already out of date. "The aim is create a new library which will last for more than 50 years so it is important to avoid those same mistakes." Coun Dow added: "We need to be clear about the direction the library service is taking and that the new building is fit for purpose. "This is the third plan to be considered and we will leave no stone unturned to make sure it is the best option for the future of Birmingham's library service." CAPTION(S): CHAIRMAN... Coun Alistair Dow |
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