May 2024
The Visit
I went to this place with @stranton, @Shaun and @sam8327. I've had my eye on it for a while now, ever since my failed attempt a couple of years back. Once inside, we were surrounded by scaffolding and steel supports, the once grand library hall now on the verge of collapse. We spent an hour exploring the three floors of the building, and it was clear that it has deteriorated significantly in recent years, with water and nature reclaiming it. A thick layer of water has accumulated on the roof, adding to the building's problems.
The History
The library, designed by architect Thomas Shelmerdine and built in 1896, was one of Liverpool's earliest public libraries. It came into existence several years after the Public Libraries Act of 1850, which allowed local authorities to establish free public libraries, creating a place where information could be accessed freely. For over a century, the building served as a library until it was closed by the Liverpool City Council in 1999 due to a decline in users. After its closure, parts of the space were utilized by different community groups until around 2006. Unfortunately, the building gradually fell into a state of disrepair and neglect.
However, there are ongoing plans to repurpose the building as an arts, culture, heritage, and enterprise center. Its architectural significance and contribution to Liverpool's public library service led to its Grade II listed status in July 1966. In 2009, the building suffered severe vandalism, resulting in emergency repairs to prevent further damage. It was even included in the Victorian Society's list of the top ten most endangered buildings in England and Wales in September 2019.
Redevelopment proposals for the building as a cultural hub were initially introduced in 2014 but faced financial obstacles, causing a delay. The plans were revived in 2016, aiming to transform the building into an arts, culture, heritage, and enterprise center. However, these efforts did not come to fruition. In November 2018, a local property and hotel group expressed interest in restoring the building as a youth center and community hub, but once again, the plans did not materialize.
The council signed off £920,000 worth of essential repairs in December 2021, but local campaigners claim that the building is still suffering from problems with the roof and windows and with water ingress.Preserving the building is still a commitment of the council but they claimed that funding was an issue, with a bid for 'Levelling Up' funding to be used towards the project being rejected by the government. During our visit, it was evident that the building was in a terrible state of disrepair, with water leaks visible in almost every room. It's disappointing to see yet another community space in Liverpool neglected like this.
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Cheers for looking 
Fujifilm X-T2, 10-24mm f4 R OIS WR (Velvia)
Fujifilm X-T2, 10-24mm f4 R OIS WR (Velvia)
