Major Birmingham library transformation project hit by delay

The leader of Birmingham City Council has said the authority needs to address “fundamental issues” after a major library project was hit by a delay.

The council’s previous Labour leadership pushed ahead with divisive plans to transform its library service after a financial crisis sparked alarming cuts to services.

The city’s libraries became the focus of a fierce row between the council and campaigners in 2024 amid concerns over opening hours, with protests held across the city.

But the plans were ultimately approved in February last year, paving the way for refurbishment at a number of libraries which were given the green light to be turned into “community hubs”.

Advice and library services will be provided at these hubs under the changes.

One of these libraries, Erdington, was forced to close earlier this year ahead of planned structural works on the roof and windows, as well as lighting upgrades.

Over the summer, Conservative group leader Councillor Robert Alden urged the council’s new administration – which includes Liberal Democrats, Greens and various independents – to protect the city’s libraries.

“Birmingham has higher levels of people being unable to read compared to the rest of the country,” he said. “It’s so vital therefore that kids in this city have access to books and are able to go in their local library.”

But a council report has revealed that the project to upgrade six libraries – Acocks Green, Erdington, Handsworth, Northfield, Small Heath and Mere Green – have suffered a delay.

“Currently the project is out to tender with the tender evaluation to be completed by the end of October 2026,” it said.

“The project has slipped due to a delay in securing approval for […] grant funding and having to extend the tendering period outside of the summer holidays.”

It added that works are expected to start on site next January.

“I really ask cabinet to keep the pressure on […] to make sure that work does happen,” Councillor Alden said at a meeting on Tuesday (October 20).

“It’s to bring back into use a number of our libraries that have got into really poor condition over the last decade and are hugely popular locally.”

Council leader Roger Harmer (Lib Dem) acknowledged that a library in his ward – Acocks Green – remained shut as “neglect of previous years is put right”.

“I think we should all just be honest around the table that this council needs to address some fundamental issues in terms of project management,” he said.

“We need to get better at that throughout everything we do.

“This administration will be focused on driving that through so when we talk about timescales, we can have confidence in them.”

Councillor Chris Garghan (Green, Billesley), cabinet member for finance, said the council’s cabinet recognised the importance of community libraries.

“A few of us have been involved in the various campaigns to get them saved over the last couple of years,” he said.

“I think it’s really important that ward members [are] involved in keeping the pressure on this administration to make sure those libraries do see the works that are planned and we make them as good as they deserve to be.”

The council said earlier this year that additional funding would allow it to “protect our libraries and keep them open for longer, with community hubs open for an extra day, every week”.

In the report it added that the works would ensure the buildings are weather-proof and address health and safety to bring them “up to a reasonable condition and extend the buildings’ life”.

The council also previously said Erdington Library provides a “vital, warm and welcoming space for the local community”.

“Major works […] are an exciting step forward in our plans to modernise our library service,” it said.

“So while Erdington Library will remain closed for these works, Perry Common Library is open additional hours on Fridays to minimise their impact.”

Several factors – such as the equal pay debacle – helped trigger the financial crisis at Birmingham Council while Labour councillors also pointed the finger at funding cuts during the Tories’ time in charge.

After several painful measures were taken, such as a wave of cuts to local services and council tax hikes, a balanced council budget was set earlier this year before the new administration took over.

But Councillor Harmer recently issued a warning that both the council and city still face significant challenges when it comes to its finances.