Future of much-loved Mirehouse Library building secured
Cumbria County Council is pleased to confirm that the former Mirehouse Library building has been transferred to a local conservation group.
Mirehouse Community Centre Association made an application to the county council for a Community Asset Transfer (CAT), with a 25-year lease and a freehold conversion option. The application was approved today (Thursday 17 December) at a meeting of the county council’s Cabinet.
A CAT means that a building or land is transferred from public ownership to a community, voluntary or social enterprise group.
The grant of a long lease will allow Mirehouse Community Centre Association to expand the work they have carried out under a number of short-term agreements, and further develop the community café and hub the group have established in the former library building. The group have also been instrumental in providing a local meals service and food distribution centre.
Cllr David Southward, Cabinet Member for Economic Development, said:
“I am delighted to confirm the transfer of this well-known and much-loved building to a local conservation group, that have been providing a fantastic service to the local community.
“The new premises will help Mirehouse Community Centre Association to develop their services even further, in a fantastic location.
“This is good news for local residents, and I’d like to thank all involved behind the scenes that have secured the future of this excellent local building.”
Katrina MacEwan, Development Officer at Mirehouse Community Centre Association Trustees, said:
“On behalf of Mirehouse Community Centre Association Trustees, I can say that we are absolutely delighted with the news that the former Mirehouse Library building will be transferred to us.
“The café is now an integral part of our development work and well-loved by the community that we serve.
“Thank you very much to Cumbria County Council and to Cumbria Social Enterprise Partnership for their support in making this possible.”
