Local authorities

Plans to switch library provision in Birmingham to a mixture of council and community-run hubs to save money have been put out for consultation.

Launching the exercise, Birmingham City Council said that, based on current information on community interest and co-location opportunities, it estimates this combination of provision could allow for 25 building-based library services. 

"For more than a decade, tightening budgets for maintenance, staffing and technology have made Birmingham Libraries’ current delivery model inefficient and not effective," a statement accompanying the consultation said.

"The current budget challenges mean that library budgets have been further reduced. 

"In that time we have also seen the way people use libraries has changed with a reduction in people accessing library buildings, yet the need for free and facilitated access to information, culture, and advice is high in the city. 

"Public libraries in Birmingham have a long and strong track record of adapting to new demands and changed circumstances, therefore, an essential review and redesign of the way we provide information and library services in Birmingham offers the best route towards a long-term, effective and sustainable solution."

The consultation on the plans is open until 17 July.

A Reading theatre will benefit from a £13.7m upgrade after the project's plans were given the green light.

The Hexagon Theatre will get a new 300-capacity studio auditorium and rehearsal space, with work on the site set to begin as early as this summer.

The BBC reports that the project can proceed after Reading Borough Council secured £19.1m of government Levelling Up funding to upgrade The Hexagon and bring the Central Library into the council's civic offices in Bridge Street.

Jackie Yates, Chief Executive of the council, said: "We want the Hexagon to continue to remain a pivotal venue for Reading residents and the wider area in the future, and this important project will secure that.

"Access to the arts and culture plays an important part in people's lives. Having such a versatile and accessible venue will enable even more residents to enjoy it."
 

A new multi-purpose arts venue in Worcester has been given the green light by council planners.

The BBC reports that Worcester City Council’s planning committee unanimously granted permission for the full redesign and internal refurbishment of the Scala and Corn Exchange buildings to create three multi-use spaces.

The Stage will host live performances, comedy and gigs, The Screen will host films, including independent film festivals, immersive events, dance and workshops and The Box will be a space for digital experiences.

The city council's Managing Director, David Blake, said the new venue would "attract new audiences and allow creative communities to thrive".
 

Organisations interested in running 10 community libraries in Derby have been given a month to register their interest.

Following Derby City Council's approval of plans for the city’s non-statutory libraries to be run by a trust, a formal expression of interest process has opened to invite viable proposals. 

Under the plans, legally required statutory library provision will continue to be delivered by the council from five static libraries.

But the council wants the city's 10 community libraries to be run by a separate organisation, either as itself or through the establishment of a new trust.

Organisations have until 26 April to submit an expression of interest.

Baggy Shanker, Leader of Derby City Council, said: “Our ambition is to protect and sustain our libraries for the future and drive forward their growth.

“This is a different opportunity from previous proposals as the council is now seeking a single, separate trust to champion all 10 of Derby’s community libraries to deliver and enhance needs-led, sustainable services.

“Libraries are the backbone of thriving communities. They work hand-in-hand with other public services."
 

Scores of community-led arts, culture and heritage initiatives in Bradford will get combined funding of £1m, it has been announced.

As part of a programme funded by Arts Council England and Bradford Council, Creative People and Places organisation The Leap will share the money between around 140 new projects run by individuals and groups across Bradford and Keighley.

The BBC reports that each project will get between £250 and £10,000 to spend on creative schemes and events.

Shabz Musaji, from The Leap, said: "We want to inspire the next level of young people as well as all other groups to come forward to engage with The Leap," he said.

"We're looking forward to promoting arts and culture, because there are a lot of beneficiaries to this. We have projects that address mental health; we have projects that address heritage. These are really good things to talk about and to celebrate."