PLANS to transform a former bank building into a central library space are one step closer to becoming a reality.

In 2023, it was announced that Launceston Town Council had plans to repurpose a disused space in order to bring the town’s library into the hart of the community. It came after the town council and Cornwall Council collaborated to purchase the building which was formerly host to Barclays Bank on Broad Street.

The council laid out hopes to refurbish and bring life to the site, with the mayor at the time, Cllr Helen Bailey said: “So much work has been involved over many years to ensure we have a town library, to have our fantastic facility in the heart of our town open six days a week ensures we can build on the service offered to our residents and the wider community.”

At the time, the council explained that the building would be used to accommodate the town library, the registration service and an information centre, as well as having the potential to offer short term office space and room hire, and providing a community hub for the town. The central location in the heart of the town centre, hopes to ensure accessibility for all.

Now, nearly three years on, residents have been questioning what is going on with the plans, with seemingly little progress being made and the building remaining vacant.

However, this week, Launceston Town Council has issued an update, revealing that progress is being made towards reopening the space.

Clerk at Launceston Town Council, Chris Drake, told us that planning permision granted, the council is now seeking architects to design the future library, alongside project managers.

He explained; “Having obtained planning permission for conversion of the former Barclays Bank to a library and community hub building, we have recently undertaken a tenders process for architect design teams and project manager to begin the building phase of the project.

“The Design Team will undertake professional design and supervision services including for building services, a structural engineer, and quantity surveyor and the Project Manager role will be for a person to oversee the build project.”

Having received tenders from architects and project management organisations, the council is set to interview candidates before being able to move forward with plans.

Mr Drake continued: “We received 10 architect tenders and 6 project management tenders and these have been forwarded to Trevor Humphreys Associates for scoring and shortlisting. Following this process, the shortlisted companies will be invited to interview. The interview panel will be the Mayor, Cllr Lankston as the project councillor lead, Trevor Humphreys and the Town Clerk. Further shortlisting may follow the interview process and the final remaining tenders will be considered by Full Council and a decision to appoint made.”