AN UPDATE has been released about the future of the old library and the former Spiritualist Church in Stroud.

The old Stroud Library in Lansdown was closed by officials in early February 2024 after the discovery of RAAC - Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete.

Meanwhile, the neighbouring Stroud Spiritualist Church - also known as the Old County Library - closed in January 2023 after being in the town for more than 40 years. 

The Spiritualist Church was temporarily occupied by members of activist group SISTER (Stroud in Internationalist Solidarity Together for Earth Repairs), last summer. 

At the time, Gloucestershire County Council was heavily criticised by SISTER for leaving the building empty and failing to "empower the local community".

County council officials have now announced they are hosting an event to provide updates on the two Lansdown buildings on Monday afternoon, August 19.

The drop-in event will take place from 3pm to 5pm at the new Stroud Library. 

“We know there are strong feelings"

A GCC spokesperson said: “Following the official opening of the new Stroud Library, is now in a position to engage with communities over the future of the old library and neighbouring former Spiritualist Church in Stroud.
 
“Last year the county council committed to dispose of the buildings via a transparent bidding application and assessment process. 

“For the former Spiritualist Church, this would be up until the current lease expires in 2027 as this building is not owned by the council. 

“The lease will be offered to community or charitable organisations. 

SISTER members standing outside the Stroud Spiritualist Church last summer  (Image: SISTER)

“For the former library, this will be sold in accordance with the requirements of the ‘Assets of Community Value (England) Regulations’, giving potential bidders six months to put together a bid.

“To start the process, interested parties are being invited to an event that will provide further information on the timeline for interest, condition of the buildings, existing leasing arrangements and display the plans of the buildings. 

“This is to ensure any community groups thinking of bidding for the buildings have full awareness of the conditions and terms associated with the premises before making a decision to bid.”

Cllr Lynden Stowe, deputy leader of Gloucestershire County Council and cabinet member for finance and change, said: “We know there are strong feelings in the community about the future of these two buildings. 

“We want to be able to present all the facts and figures on the establishments in advance of the bidding process so anyone thinking about bidding has as much information as possible.” 
 
The session is a drop-in, but those who can’t attend can set up a call with officers by registering their interest at building.helpdesk@gloucestershire.gov.uk