Office deal could revamp museum and library

Harborough’s museum and library could be revamped under a proposed county council deal to support refurbishment of the district council’s HQ.

Leicestershire County Council’s ruling Cabinet meets on April 3rd to discuss a possible long-term agreement with Harborough District Council, to:

•Revamp Harborough’s existing council HQ, in Adam and Eve Street

•Refurbish the library and museum and investigate opportunities for them to share space in the building – they are currently in separate parts of the complex

•Move more county council staff into the building, from the existing area office at Brooklands, Northampton Road – and, possibly, staff from other public sector bodies

If the Cabinet gives the go ahead and Harborough District Council approves the proposals on April 30th, the county council will potentially invest up to £1.6 million into the project.

This is part of the county council’s plan to have fewer but better buildings, saving around £700,000 per year from reduced running costs.

Byron Rhodes, the county council’s cabinet member for property, said: By investing now, we can have better offices in Harborough, including a revamped museum and library, instead of spending more money on finding another building in due course.”

David Sprason, cabinet member for adults and communities, said: We’ve already seen visits to the museum increase, with the return of the Hallaton helmet. I think that revamping the museum and library and allowing them to share the same space could boost their popularity further.”

The cabinet will discuss the report at 2pm on Tuesday, April 3rd.