Herefordshire Council has submitted a planning application for a new Library and Learning Resource Centre at Maylord Orchards and landscaping works in Trinity Square.
The work is part of plans to move the library from Broad Street to Maylord Orchards, with an enhanced and much improved museum replacing the library at Broad Street.
The planning application submitted by Herefordshire Council states:
“Change of use of retail (Class E(a)) and cafe (Class E(b)) units within Maylord Orchards to a new Library and Learning Resource Centre (Class F1(d)),works also include changes to the atrium, facade changes to the entrances at Trinity Square and Blue School Street, new landscaping works and the inclusion of cycle locker and a change to the delivery ramp.”
As part of the work, significant changes will be made to the entrances to Maylord Orchards.
Doors – Existing materials and finishes:
White framed glazed entrance door and window to existing ground floor cafe from Trinity Square. Automatic doors to Maylord Orchards atrium from Trinity Square. White framed glazed entrance door and window from Blue School Street to Maylord Orchards atrium.
Proposed materials and finishes:
Dark grey framed double glazed entrance door and window to ground floor of the library from Trinity Square. Automatic doors to Maylord Orchards atrium from Trinity Square to be reduced in width. Dark grey framed glazed entrance door and window from Blue School Street to Maylord Orchards atrium. Existing door and window to remain, frame to be painted.
Walls – Existing materials and finishes:
Brick to existing building and white cladding board to entrance gable from Trinity Square.
Proposed materials and finishes:
Horizontal timber cladding introduced between first floor glazing, to entrance gable from Trinity Square, and as a mount for signage at the Blue School Street and Trinity Square entrance.
Cabinet agreed an investment of £8.5 million for a new museum and library for the people of Herefordshire at its meeting on Wednesday 29 June.
Cabinet members agreed to invest £8 million of capital funding for the complete refurbishment of Hereford Museum and Art Gallery (HMAG) in Broad Street, and £500,000 to relocate Hereford Library to a renovated Maylord Orchards centre. The funding, which is subject to council decision, will combine with a £8 million bid to Stronger Towns, and a £5 million bid to an alternative fund bringing the total cost of the museum refurbishment to £18 million and the library relocation and renovation to £3.5 million.
A redeveloped HMAG will support the creation of a world-class, energy-efficient, cultural and visitor experience at the heart of Hereford. As well as other treasures, it would be an ideal place in which to showcase the Herefordshire Hoard, which the council is campaigning to bring home for the people of Herefordshire. The new Library and Learning Resource Centre (LLRC) at Maylord Orchards will also provide rentable space for a range of services and organisations, including the council’s adult learning services and health and wellbeing clinics.
Councillor Gemma Davies, cabinet member for commissioning, procurement and assets, says:
“I’m delighted cabinet members reached agreement on these two significant proposals for Herefordshire. Our investment in cultural services is so important to support local people and adds exciting destinations and support for both residents and tourists. There’s plenty of evidence showing cultural and creative centres attract visitors who go on to spend time in hotels, restaurants and other local venues and we expect the new museum to attract around £2.5 million to the local economy every year. These projects represent good value for money for the people of Herefordshire and put culture at the very heart of our city’s future.”
