Liverpool City Council has approved a £250,000 funding package for the historic Everton Library. The investment will cover urgent repairs and a detailed assessment of the Grade II listed building, paving the way for its future redevelopment as a community hub.
Key Takeaways
- Liverpool City Council has allocated £250,000 for Everton Library.
- The funds will be used for immediate essential repairs, environmental cleaning, and a specialist condition survey.
- Known as the “Jewel on the Hill,” the 129-year-old building has been in a state of decay for two decades.
- The ultimate goal is to restore the library as a cultural and community asset, supporting local regeneration.
A New Beginning for a Historic Landmark
Everton Library, a celebrated Grade II listed building, is set to receive critical attention after years of decline. Liverpool City Council has committed a quarter of a million pounds to begin the process of saving the architectural gem, which has been a fixture in the community since 1896.
The building, designed by Thomas Shelmerdine, is renowned for its distinctive Jacobean and Arts and Crafts style. For over a century, it has been affectionately known as the “Jewel on the Hill” due to its prominent location and unique features, including a turret and an ornate glass-vaulted ceiling.
However, the last 20 years have seen the structure fall into significant disrepair. The new funding represents the first major step towards reversing this decay and preserving the building for future generations.
A Rich Architectural Heritage
Everton Library is a prime example of the ambition of Liverpool's late Victorian civic development. Its design reflects the Arts and Crafts movement's emphasis on craftsmanship and detail, with features like intricate ironwork and a grand interior space. Its Grade II listing recognizes it as a building of special architectural and historic interest.
How the £250,000 Will Be Used
The allocated funds have a clear and immediate purpose: to stabilise the building and prepare it for a full-scale restoration. The investment will be divided among several key areas to ensure the structure is protected from further damage.
The primary tasks include making the building weatherproof to prevent water ingress and conducting a thorough environmental cleaning. These initial works are crucial for halting the ongoing deterioration.
The Specialist Condition Survey
A significant portion of the funding will support a specialist condition survey. This is not a standard inspection; it is a detailed, conservation-focused analysis that will meticulously document the building's current state. Experts will identify defects, understand the causes of decay, and prioritise the necessary repairs.
According to the council, this survey is vital for ensuring that all future work respects the building’s historic significance and uses appropriate materials and techniques. It will form the blueprint for the library's long-term redevelopment.
Fact: Built in 1896, Everton Library is 129 years old and was part of an early movement to establish public libraries and promote literacy across Liverpool.
Vision for a Revitalised Community Hub
The council's vision extends far beyond simple repairs. The long-term objective is to transform Everton Library into a vibrant cultural and community asset that serves the local area. This aligns with a broader strategy of repurposing heritage buildings to drive economic growth and social value.
Potential future uses for the restored building include:
- A cultural hub for events and exhibitions.
- A training venue for developing digital and other skills.
- A centre for delivering council services directly to the community.
- A space to create new jobs and economic opportunities.
This project is also seen as a key component of the area's ongoing regeneration. The library forms part of a “Golden Triangle” of local landmarks, alongside St George’s Church and Everton Park, which are central to the neighbourhood's revitalisation plans.
Council Leaders Welcome the Investment
Local councillors have expressed strong support for the project, highlighting its importance for both preserving heritage and investing in the community's future.
Councillor Harry Doyle, Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Culture, commented on the strategic importance of the funding.
“This investment is a clear sign of how important the council views cultural assets such as Everton Library. The building has played a vital role in the history of the Everton community, and thanks to the work that will be carried out, it will have a crucial role in the future too.”
Everton North Councillor Portia Fahey shared her enthusiasm, noting the deep connection local residents have with the building.
“I am absolutely delighted to hear that the council are investing in cleaning and securing Everton Library. This is the first page in a brand-new chapter for the library, as we celebrate 129 years of The Jewel on the Hill. Many residents have fond memories of the library and will be thrilled to know that the building is being looked after.”
This initial investment marks a critical turning point for Everton Library, shifting its narrative from one of decay to one of hope and renewal. The upcoming survey and repairs will lay the foundation for a project that aims to restore not just a building, but a cornerstone of the Everton community.