Public Question Feb 2019 and FAQ that relate to feasibility study consultation

Public Question:

SOURCE: http://councilmeetings.lewisham.gov.uk/documents/s63156/Complete%20public%20questions%20and%20replies.pdf

PUBLIC QUESTION NO 21. Priority 1
LONDON BOROUGH OF LEWISHAM COUNCIL MEETING 27 FEBRUARY 2019
Question asked by:Dr.Alice R. Corble
Member to reply:Councillor Slater

Question
In a letter from Cllr Jonathan Slater on 8thFebruary 2019 Save Lewisham Libraries Campaign were informed that a report is being drafted for the Mayor in the form of a feasibility study for a new or refurbished LewishamLibrary building. We now know that Feilden Clegg Bradley architects and WSP engineers are already being consulted on the formation of this report, which indicates a brief for a new library has already been proposed.

At the full council meeting on 21stNovember 2018 (having listened to our evidence presented as library professionals, academic experts and campaigners) Mayor Egan assured myself and Caroline Jupp that Save Lewisham Libraries campaigners would be engaged in dialogue on this feasibility study. However, we have not so far been invited to be part of this process. In the spirit of democratic openness and transparency that is so important to this cabinet, can the Mayor confirm when we will be invited to consult on the particulars of the feasibility study? We ask that this is done in advance of the final report due in May so that we can have active input into the process.

Reply
At this initial stage, the consultants are required to evaluate a number of very high level options.

However, once the report to the Mayor is complete there will be an opportunity for the public to express their views before any decision is taken on the report’s recommendations. The Save Lewisham Libraries Campaigners will be contacted directly at that stage.

FAQ 3:

SOURCE https://lewisham.gov.uk/myservices/libraries/your-questions-answered

Will there be a public consultation as a part of the feasibility plan?

The feasibility study will focus on the financial viability of the scheme. If the scheme is found to be feasible then a full public consultation would take place to help us plan the detailed design work.