Something I missed but which will have a great impact on Camberwell is the new library which finally, it seems, is on track, not without controversy.
On 4 June 2013 the Southwark Council Planning Committee passed the planning application for the construction of a new library on Camberwell Green. Details of the new library are on the Southwark website.
You will recall two years ago in 2011 details were published here of plans for a new library which we were assured by the Council Leader Peter John would be built by “autumn 2012”.
Following the Council Leader’s bold pronouncement problems occured with the scheme and so here we are two years on still with an inadequate library in Camberwell.
This is all set to change with the construction of the new library (artist’s impression of the new library below taken from architect John McAsclan + Partners website)
According to Southwark the new library will be located on Camberwell Green and “will include areas for adult, children and young people libraries as well as public access computers, study area and meeting rooms. The main library areas will be located on the ground floor with meeting rooms and study space located on the first floor. The main entrance will face towards Camberwell Green.”
The library is a key part of the Camberwell regeneration programme which aims to connect the Green with wider Camberwell.
The location has attracted great controversy as the building will be located on the site of Camberwell Orchard on the Green, various other suggestions for a library location have been put forward. Realistically I cannot see Southwark deciding at this late stage to relocate the new library but protestors are urging the council to think again. Let us hope that this will not result in another two year delay to the new Camberwell Library.