A beloved Wirral library, silent for nearly three years, is on the brink of a remarkable revival. A detailed proposal to transform Irby library into a vibrant community hub is now before the council, promising a new chapter for a village that has deeply felt its absence.
The ambitious plan, led by the successful community organization Pioneer People Wirral, aims not just to reopen the doors but to reimagine the space as a multi-faceted center for arts, wellness, and community connection, building on a model that has already seen unprecedented success elsewhere in the borough.
Key Takeaways
- Pioneer People Wirral has submitted a formal bid to reopen Irby library, which closed in 2022.
- The plan requires a council investment of £50,000 over two years, plus £80,000 for essential building upgrades.
- The new hub will feature a high-end charity shop, an arts hub, workshop spaces, and a community garden for dementia and SEN support.
- The proposal is modeled on the success of Pensby Library, also run by Pioneer People, which has exceeded all expectations since reopening in 2024.
A New Chapter for a Community Landmark
Wirral councillors are set to decide the fate of Irby library, a cornerstone of the village community that was shuttered in 2022 amid sweeping budget cuts that saw nine local libraries close their doors. The new proposal, spearheaded by Pioneer People Wirral, outlines a comprehensive business plan to bring the building back to life.
To achieve this vision, the organization is requesting a total of £130,000 in council support. This includes £50,000 spread over two years to ensure operational stability and a one-time investment of £80,000 to prepare the building for its new role. According to the proposal, this figure represents a significant increase from a previous plan floated in 2023, signaling a more robust and sustainable approach.
Mark Johnston of Pioneer People explained that their involvement follows an earlier, unsuccessful attempt by the library's friends group. “We had originally approached the council about taking Irby over in 2022,” he noted, explaining that the new bid is now fully supported by the community group, creating a powerful coalition for the library's revival.
Learning from Success: The Pensby Blueprint
Pioneer People Wirral is not new to the challenge of revitalizing community assets. The organization successfully took over and reopened Pensby Library in early 2024, and the results have been nothing short of spectacular.
“It’s absolutely smashed expectations and it’s become incredible popular,” said Mark Johnston. “Quite often we are full to the brim; we can’t even get people in. In terms of financial sustainability, we are beating the targets we set ourselves. The library is incredibly well used.”
This proven track record provides a strong foundation of confidence for the Irby proposal. The success at Pensby demonstrates a clear community appetite for these revitalized spaces and proves that with the right model, closed libraries can not only survive but thrive under community management.
By the Numbers: The Investment
- £50,000: Council support requested over two years for operational costs.
- £80,000: One-time funding needed for building readiness and upgrades.
- 9: The number of Wirral libraries, including Irby, that were closed in the 2022 budget cuts.
- 3: The minimum number of months required for building improvements once the lease is approved.
A Unique Vision for a Village Hub
While the Pensby model provides a blueprint for success, the plan for Irby is distinctly tailored to its unique village environment. Mr. Johnston emphasized that each library should have its own identity. Recognizing the existing local businesses, the Irby plan intentionally omits a café to avoid competing with nearby coffee shops.
Instead, the vision for Irby includes several innovative elements:
- A High-End Charity Shop: Offering quality second-hand goods to generate sustainable income.
- Creative and Workshop Spaces: Providing a hub for local artists and makers.
- A Community Arts Hub: Fostering creativity and cultural engagement within the village.
The Heart of the Village
Mark Johnston highlighted the special character of the area that informs the project's design. “Irby is a self-contained village. There’s not many places like that on the Wirral,” he stated. “It’s got a real heart to it and the library has always played a part in that.” The plan is designed to reinforce this sense of place and provide a central gathering point for residents.
Perhaps most significantly, the proposal leverages the library's large outdoor space. The plan is to transform it into a community garden designed to be a therapeutic and supportive environment. This garden will specifically cater to individuals with special educational needs (SEN) and those living with dementia, adding a vital wellness component to the library's offerings.
Hurdles on the Path to Reopening
Despite the widespread enthusiasm, the library's reopening is not yet a certainty. The proposal must first gain the approval of Wirral councillors at an upcoming meeting. If the takeover is approved, further administrative steps are required.
“All of these are in the gift of the council and they will be determining how quickly we could get it open,” Johnston explained. Planning approval will be necessary to officially change the building's status, a crucial step before any work can begin. He estimates a minimum three-month building improvement plan will be needed once the lease is formally signed.
Local politicians are already voicing strong support. Labour councillor Mark Skillicorn celebrated the progress on social media, describing it as the culmination of a “two-year campaign” involving weekly meetings to ensure the project succeeded. “Looking forward to a fantastic community hub in our village,” he wrote, thanking the many supporters who have championed the library’s return.