Description:This fine building survives because of the efforts of the Victorian Society in the 1970s to prevent its demolition. It was in the way of the proposed Middle Ring Road, but a last minute change of route for the road made by the County Council enabled it to stay. However, the shopping precinct which was to replace the library was already built. Ever since, the two buildings have been unhappy (because unintended) neighbours. The new scheme for shops incorporates the library within it, and proposes hard and soft landscaping around the library. It is intended to improve the elevation of the blank wall which originally was joined to another building, recladding it with terracotta. A double door for pedestrian access and a glazed lift is proposed to give easier access to the library. We welcome a more secure future for the library, as more space that it could expand into is to be provided in an adjoining building, but regret that the eastern side of the library i.e. the blank wall isn't extended instead. We urge that the original entrance to the library on the street corner is still used.
It has always been difficult to argue for investment in Spring Hill Library because of its nearness to the Central Library in Chamberlain Square. Local residents had only to walk a further ten minutes to have access to a far larger collection and range of services. However, the decision to relocate the Central Library to Eastside should mean that Spring Hill Library becomes much more viable in its own right.
Caption taken from The Victorian Society website: - http://www.mullaney3.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/vicsoc
Photograph by City Engineers