A COUNCILLOR is demanding answers after the timescale for upgrading a library almost doubled.
The city council is planning to improve disabled access at Blackness Library, making it possible for people in wheelchairs to get to the meeting rooms on the first floor.
But the city architect has confirmed the works will take much longer than originally expected.
He said: “The initial contract period was assessed at 16 weeks. The delivery team has now reviewed sequencing, access and construction restrictions and is advising 29 weeks. The closure period still remains at six weeks.”
West End councillor Fraser Macpherson is now seeking an explanation for the increase and is urging that alternative arrangements be made for the groups that meet at the library.
He said: “I am rather concerned that the period of disruption at the library has nearly doubled to more than six months.
“There seems to be a lack of transparency and explanation as to why this has happened and, given that the work is supposed to commence immediately after the festive season, I am seeking a full and proper explanation as to why the library project is now taking so long.
“It strikes me that there is a need to find a temporary home for library meeting room users and mobile library provision during the likely six weeks the library will be completely closed.
“I have already suggested to the managing director of Leisure and Culture Dundee, who operate Blackness Library on behalf of Dundee City Council, that the Whitehall Theatre could be worth exploring as an option for library user groups, with some mobile library provision for the actual library facilities.”
An extension to the B-listed library, at the corner of Perth Road and Blackness Road, will be built at the rear of the building. In addition to providing wheelchair access, it will also create a new stairwell to act as a fire escape. New toilets will also be added.
The wedge-shaped red sandstone building opened in 1908. It was designed by renowned city architect James Thomson and funded by the businessman and philanthropist Andrew Carnegie.
grsmith@thecourier.co.uk